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Mardi Gras! Galveston is delighted to announce the distinguished recipients of the prestigious George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award: Mike Doherty and Kenneth Shelton. These two lifelong residents of Galveston Island will be honored at an awards ceremony on Friday, February 21, 5:30 PM, as part of the kick-off to Mardi Gras festivities. The first year that Mardi Gras was celebrated on a grand scale in Galveston was 1871 with the emergence of two rival Mardi Gras societies, or “Krewes” called the Knights of Momus (known only by the initials “K.O.M.”) and the Knights of Myth, both of which devised night parades, masked balls, exquisite costumes and elaborate invitations. The attractions were small, starting with a masked ball and a performance of Shakespeare’s King Henry IV. But the festivities grew rapidly, and by 1873, visitors from around Texas were coming to Galveston to experience Mardi Gras, including Gov. E.J. Davis. Before long, lavish costumes and both day and night parades filled the streets. The History of Mardi Gras in Galveston. The first year that Mardi Gras was celebrated on a grand scale in Galveston was 1871 with the emergence of two rival Mardi Gras societies, or "Krewes" called the Knights of Momus (known only by the initials "K.O.M.") and the Knights of Myth, both of which devised night parades, masked balls, exquisite The first Mardi Gras celebration in Galveston occurred in 1867 at Turner Hall, when a group called “The Jolly Young Bachelors” invited 100 guests for “Dramatic Entertainment and a Bal Masque.”” “The initial Mardi Gras celebration was deemed a success; however, the now annual event experienced periodic hiatuses throughout its history. In 1867, just two years after the War Between the States, the citizens of Galveston proclaimed the Island’s first Mardi Gras celebration. It was the first for Texas as well. Shortly thereafter in 1871, a group of Galveston’s most distinguished citizens formed the Knights of Momus. The first Mardi Gras in the United States was celebrated in 1703 in Mobile, Alabama, but New Orleans hosts the largest and most famous celebrations in the country. However, it is safe to say that Mardi Gras has a long history in Galveston. ABOUT MARDI GRAS. In 1840, the Galveston City Company founder, Michel Menard, hosted the first masquerade ball on the island, most probably, as a housewarming. On March 26, 1856, history was made as the first Mardi Gras ball in Galveston was held at the house. The Galveston News reported the next day that over 300 guests attended. The History of Mardi Gras! Galveston. Mardi Gras was first publicly observed on Galveston Island in 1867. Following a sabbatical imposed in 1941 by war and challenging times, Mardi Gras! Galveston was revived in 1985 by Galveston-born preservationist and developer George P. Mitchell. The Knights of Momus is the grandest and oldest Krewe supporting the social and civic efforts of Galveston’s historic Mardi Gras. In 1867, just two years after the War Between the States, the citizens of Galveston proclaimed the Island’s first Mardi Gras celebration. Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade. Revelers will enjoy this festive night parade, as it circles the Entertainment District wrapping up the first day of celebrations for Mardi Gras! Galveston, 2025. A group of 9 Festive Floats will be throwing beads and trinkets, plus more marching bands & dancers bringing the hype. Revelers at this year’s Mardi Gras will notice some changes the City of Galveston has made as part of an effort to enhance public safety during the annual carnival celebration. The island’s 114 th Mardi Gras celebration begins Friday, February 21, and continues until March 4, or Fat Tuesday. Both weekends will be packed with parades 10:00 p.m. Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade Revelers will enjoy this festive night parade, as it circles the Entertainment District wrapping up the first day of celebrations for Mardi Gras! Galveston, 2025. A group of 9 Festive Floats will be throwing beads and trinkets, plus more marching bands & dancers bringing the hype. Mardi Gras revelers in Galveston will notice some changes the City of Galveston has made as part of an effort to enhance public safety during the annual carnival celebration. The island’s 114th Mardi Gras celebration begins Friday, February 21, and continues until March 4, or Fat Tuesday. GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Galveston's biggest and brightest parade lit up the night at the 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. ABC13 broadcast live from the Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade on GALVESTON, Texas (KIAH) — It’s Mardi Gras time again, and the Galveston Strand will be lit up once again as the annual Mardi Gras! Galveston events will begin on February 21. The island will History of Mardi Gras in Galveston Mardi Gras was first held in 1711 in Mobile, Alabama as a national gala imported from France. Only later, in 1873, did this historical event appear in New Orleans. The classical colors of Mardi Gras have noteworthy meanings. Gold signifies power or purity of purpose. Purple portrays royalty or justice. Get ready for Mardi Gras Galveston 2025, Texas’ biggest and most dazzling Mardi Gras celebration! From February 21 to March 4, Galveston Island will come alive with vibrant parades, electrifying live music, masquerade balls, and high-energy street parties. Mardi Gras! Galveston is the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country and has a long history of festivities. The first celebration in Galveston was held in 1867, complete with a masked ball and Shakespearean reenactments! In 1871, two rival Mardi Gras societies, or “Krewes” were created. GALVESTON, Texas — Parades and beads and vendors – oh my! Mardi Gras Galveston has taken over the island, with thousands of attendees from near and far soaking up more than a century worth of
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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