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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. 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. 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 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. 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. A string of Mardi Gras beads are dangled over a balcony at Mardi Gras! Galveston festivities on The Strand in Galveston on Saturday, March 1, 2025. STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News Galveston Mardi Gras Parades – Dates, Routes & Must-See Events. Celebrate Mardi Gras in Galveston and Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler! 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 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. James Hanna’s duck, Hazel, plays with his Mardi Gras beads at the annual Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade at Mardi Gras in Galveston on Sunday, March 2, 2025. JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade Marshals Natalie “Fox” Maisel and Tulip LaRue wave to the crowd on The Strand in Galveston on Sunday, March 2, 2025. 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. 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 Mardi Gras in Galveston. Mardi Gras! Galveston is the place to be for a full-on celebration, with festivities running from February 21 through March 4, 2025. Known for its vibrant parades and coastal charm, Galveston offers one of Texas’s most unique Mardi Gras experiences. 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. Galveston, TX; Photo: Mardi Gras Galveston. This city’s Mardi Gras celebrations include balcony parties, concerts, and over 20 parades ranging from more traditional parades for families to more unique parades.
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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