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. Krewe Babalu is the “every man’s Mardi Gras Krewe” founded in 1995 by Guy Taylor with the purpose of promoting Mardi Gras festivities on Galveston Island and promoting civic and social activities within the organization and the city of Galveston. Come join all the Mardi Gras Krewes! 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 all-Krewe parade features marching bands, dance teams, and an all-out celebration for the final hours of Mardi Gras Galveston 2025. The parade begins at 28th Street and Market Street downtown, then heads south down 28th Street, then turns right down Postoffice Street, continuing toward the Strand historic district. 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 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. 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 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. Mardi Gras! Galveston 2025: Bead There February 21 – March 4, 2025 At Mardi Gras! Galveston, the extravagance found in Texas’s largest Mardi Gras celebration starts with the beads! More than 3 million beads will be thrown at Mardi Gras! Galveston and that’s just the beginning of the elaborate parades, headliner performances, family events, [] The good times will roll soon for 2025 Mardi Gras! Galveston. The 114th edition on Galveston Island is the largest Mardi Gras celebration in the Houston area. For those planning to go, here is 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. 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, parties and, of course, beads. Galveston’s island-style Mardi Gras has plenty of personality. Headquarters Balcony Party 23rd & Strand-Entrance on Strand next to Galveston Island Dry Goods Company. Headquarters Balcony Party Highlights: – FREE entrance into the entertainment district included in your Ticket – Impressive view of the Corona Extra Stage with live entertainment – In the center of all the Mardi Gras action – Live Music 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 A total commitment to the war effort caused the halt of Mardi Gras on the island for many years. Throughout the mid-20th century, only small Mardi Gras celebrations were held on the island. It wasn't until 1985 when a local entrepreneur, George P. Mitchell, and his wife, Cynthia, launched a revival of a city wide Mardi Gras event. Galveston’s Mardi Gras is a spectacle of color, music, and tradition, bringing the island to life with dazzling parades, lively crowds, and an electric atmosphere. From the high-energy Party Gras! Procession to the grand Knights of Momus Night Parade, each event offers a unique blend of local culture, artistic expression, and festive fun. One of over 20 parades to enjoy during Mardi Gras! Galveston, The George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Honoree Parade takes place in the Downtown Entertainment District on Friday, February 21 @ 7pm. The awards ceremony and Party Gras! Procession precede the parade. Fri., Feb. 21 @ 5:00pm Party Gras! Procession 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. Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Contact: Elizabeth Matthews. ematthews@yagasevents.com. Issues with your tickets? Contact Etix customer service for help – 1-800-514-3849 From lively festivals to one-of-a-kind celebrations, Galveston offers countless ways to experience the charm and energy of island life. With something happening almost every week, there’s always an opportunity to join in on the fun. Explore Galveston’s annual traditions and exciting happenings to make your next visit unforgettable.
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