Photo by Jennifer Reynolds
Parade highlights from Galveston’s 107th Mardi Gras celebration
Mardi Gras! Galveston, the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, is expected to draw more than 350,000 attendees. The island’s 107th Mardi Gras celebration, Feb. 2-13, will feature more than 20 parades, 30-plus concerts, 20 balcony parties and, of course, millions of beads. Here are some of this year’s parade highlights. For a full schedule of Mardi Gras! Galveston activities, visit www.mardigrasgalveston.com.
George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Parade [Feb. 2]
The George P. Mitchell Parade will begin at The Tremont House, 2300 Ship’s Mechanic Row, with festive floats parading through the Historic Strand District on the kick-off night of Mardi Gras! Galveston.
7 p.m. Feb. 2; Strand District, Galveston
Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade Parade [Feb. 2]
Sponsored by The Galveston County Daily News, this parade features more than 2,000 umbrella dancers as they try to hokey-pokey into the record books.
8:30 p.m. Feb. 2; Strand District, Galveston
Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade [Feb. 2]
If you are looking to catch some beads, look no further than the Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade.
10 p.m. Feb. 2; Strand District, Galveston
Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Kick-off Parade [Feb. 3]
The 32nd annual Aquarius Kick-off Parade once again will wind its way down the seawall to 25th Street where it will turn to downtown for a trip down Mechanic and Strand streets.
Noon Feb. 3; 57th Street and Seawall Boulevard to the Strand District, Galveston
Zaniest Golf Cart Parade [Feb. 3]
Why stop with a world record-breaking umbrella parade when you can have the Zaniest (Decorated) Golf Cart Parade? This parade is another chance for friends and family to get together and participate in this interactive display of the zany spirit of Mardi Gras! Galveston.
1 p.m. Feb. 3; Strand District, Galveston
Krewe D’iHeartMedia Art Car Parade [Feb. 3]
Tune into this rockin’ parade as the Krewe D’iHeartMedia Art Car Parade cruises down The Strand.
3 p.m. Feb. 3; Strand District, Galveston
Krewe of Gambrinus ‘Lights Up the Night’ Parade [Feb. 3]
Featuring 12 lighted floats, marching bands and other entertainment, this parade will wind its way down Seawall Boulevard to 25th Street, where it will turn downtown for a trip down the Strand District.
6 p.m. Feb. 3; 57th Street and Seawall Boulevard to the Strand District, Galveston
Fiesta Gras [Feb. 4]
Mardi Gras! Galveston celebrates Hispanic heritage with Fiesta Gras featuring two parades — Fiesta Gras Estrella TV Parade and Mega Fiesta Gras Parade — vendors and entertainment headliner La Mafia.
1 p.m. and 4 p.m. parades Feb. 4, Strand District, Galveston
Danny Weber Memorial Fire Truck Parade [Feb. 9]
This parade of fire trucks is dedicated to Danny Weber Sr., a lifelong Galvestonian and 30-year veteran of the Galveston Fire Department.
7 p.m. Feb. 9, Strand District, Galveston
Krewe Babalu All Krewe Parade [Feb. 9]
Load up on beads at this parade featuring floats from krewes and business, civic and fraternal organizations throughout the region.
8 p.m. Feb. 9, Strand District, Galveston
Krewe da’ Yaga’s Parade [Feb. 9]
Only the most irie vibes will be heard from this krewe that will make its return with a parade full of Yaga’s Café family members of the past, present and future.
9:30 p.m. Feb. 9, Strand District, Galveston
Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Parade [Feb. 10]
This parade will feature krewe royalty, motorcycle groups, drill teams, dancers, ROTC, boats and much more. The parade will begin at Kempner Park, 27th Street and Ave O. From there, it will proceed to Seawall Boulevard. It will turn right onto 31st Street, proceed down to Avenue N, turn left onto 27th Street and end at Jack Johnson Park, 27th Street and Avenue M. After the parade, there will be a Yard Party featuring food and drink vendors and music.
11 a.m. Feb. 10, Seawall Boulevard, Galveston
Z Krewe Z Processional [Feb. 10]
This parade features bands, military units and zany revelers from other clubs, and is led by Big Daddy and Big Momma followed by King and Queen Zanie and their royal Zoots and Zaftigs.
1 p.m. Feb. 10, Strand District, Galveston
Mardi Gras King’s Parade [Feb. 10]
This Mardi Gras King’s Parade will feature floats, marching bands, bead throwing and more.
2:30 p.m. Feb. 10, Strand District, Galveston
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler Parade [Feb. 10]
Let the good times roll as this Louisiana-style parade rolls into downtown Galveston.
4:30 p.m. Feb. 10, Strand District, Galveston
Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade [Feb. 10]
Mardi Gras! Galveston’s largest parade will feature floats, marching bands, dignitaries, bead throwing and more.
6:30 p.m. Feb. 10, 25th Street and Seawall Boulevard to The Strand District, Galveston
Shriners Hospitals for Children & Sunshine Kids Parade [Feb. 11]
Bring out the entire family for a day full of fun at Family Gras. The parade will feature festive floats and Shriners clowns and mini-cars.
Noon Feb. 11, Strand District, Galveston
Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade [Feb. 11]
Hundreds of pets and their owners will participate in the 20th annual parade benefiting the Galveston Island Humane Society.
1:30 p.m. Feb. 11, Strand District, Galveston
Mardi Gras Children’s Parade [Feb. 11]
Local firefighters and first responders host a parade dedicated to the families and children of Galveston with costumed kids and decorated floats.
3 p.m. Feb. 11, Strand District, Galveston
Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Fat Tuesday Parade [Feb. 13]
Everyone’s favorite parade will roll through downtown in the final hours of the 2018 Mardi Gras celebration.
6:30 p.m. Feb. 13, Strand District, Galveston
Photo by Stuart Villanueva
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