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. Their annual Mardi Gras Pageant was started by Rev. Father Louis Saparito and the tradition continues today with Holy Family Parish. The Parade features many high stepping Marching Bands from Houston and surrounding area along with Drill Teams, ROTC groups, the Krewe Royalty, Committee Members, Church Organizations and many of the church members. Since 1867, Mardi Gras has been a part of Galveston’s story, bringing the island to life with dazzling parades, elaborate costumes, and unforgettable celebrations. Today, Mardi Gras! Galveston continues that tradition with over 25 parades, high-energy festivities, and endless ways to celebrate. The island’s 114th Mardi Gras celebration, to be held February 21 thru March 4, 2025 is expected to draw more than 350,000 attendees for live concerts, parades, balcony parties, elegant balls and much more. GALVESTON, Texas — Mardi Gras! Galveston is moving forward with festivities despite the cancellation of the Krewe of Gambrinus parade, which was scheduled to start Saturday at 6 p.m. along The island’s 114 th Mardi Gras celebration began Friday, February 21, and continues until March 4, or Fat Tuesday. Both weekends will be packed with parades, parties and, of course, beads. Galveston’s island-style Mardi Gras has plenty of personality. 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. 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. Here’s how to celebrate Mardi Gras the Galveston way, with parades, live music and pet-friendly costume contests. While some events are free, several of the city’s official parades and all of its concerts are held inside the gates of the Entertainment District. The city also recently announced heightened security measures for its events. Mardi Gras in Galveston is a time for celebration, but navigating street closures and finding parking can be challenging. Here is everything visitors and locals need to know about parking during Mardi Gras 2025. Street Closures & Parade Routes: Feb 22 & Mar 1 (Parade Days): 25th Street and sections of Seawall Blvd. will be closed for parades However, it is safe to say that Mardi Gras has a long history in Galveston. One of the founders of the city of Galveston, Michelle Menard, is noted to have kicked off Mardi Gras celebrations at his home in 1853 with a Mardi Gras ball, which quickly caught on throughout Galveston's early high society. 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 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 Today, Mardi Gras! Galveston is the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States and offers the unique chance to experience sand between your toes and gorgeous beach sunsets while taking in the revelry and lavish parades known to dominate Galveston Island during carnival season. How this came to be, is explained below. 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. HOUSTON (KIAH) — Mardi Gras in Galveston starts this weekend, and the Galveston Police Department wants to give everyone a heads-up on the parking guidelines. Parking is allowed on the Seawall Galveston’s Mardi Gras celebration is a vibrant, exciting event that brings the community together. Every year, the city of Galveston hosts a variety of popular events to mark this cherished occasion. From parades and masquerade balls to seafood festivals and beach contests, there’s something for everyone during Mardi Gras in Galveston. The bulk of Mardi Gras festivities take place in Galveston’s historic downtown in the Mardi Gras Entertainment District, with activities running in the area bordered by 20th to 25th Streets and Harborside Drive to Mechanic Street. Many parades and events also take place along the beachfront on Seawall Boulevard between 25th Street and 57th The bulk of Mardi Gras festivities take place in Galveston’s historic downtown in the Mardi Gras Entertainment District, with activities running in the area bordered by 20th to 25th Streets and Harborside Drive to Mechanic Street. Many parades and events also take place along the beachfront on Seawall Boulevard between 25th Street and 57th Known as the “every man’s Mardi Gras krewe,” this event was founded in 1995 and promotes civic and social activities within Galveston. Mardi Gras Galveston Parade at 9 p.m. The week’s festivities conclude with a parade, much like on the first Friday. March 1st, Saturday: Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Parade at 11 a.m.
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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