The expense of producing the parades and celebrations forced the group to discontinue their sponsorship in 1929, but the Galveston Booster Club saved the day on short notice and continued to sponsor Mardi Gras events until merging with the Galveston Chamber of Commerce in 1937-at which point Mardi Gras came under the Chamber’s authority. Knights of Momus Mardi Gras Parade began in 1871, and was discontinued during World War II. George Mitchell brought the Galveston party back in 1985. History of how Mardi Gras Galveston began Galveston hosted its first Mardi Gras in 1867. In Galveston, there are multiple “Krewes” (or groups/clubs) that host large Mardi Gras parties and parades. The biggest parade, held on the night of Mardi Gras, is put on by the oldest krewe in Galveston (said to have been around since 1871), the Knights of Momus. KOM hosts a royal ball each The Origins of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras, meaning “Fat Tuesday” in French, traces its origins to medieval Europe. The tradition was brought to North America by French explorers in the 17th century, with the first recorded Mardi Gras in what is now the United States taking place in Mobile, Alabama, in 1703. 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! 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 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 In 1856, Galveston’s founder, Michel Menard, hosted the city’s first Mardi Gras ball at his house. As the city and port grew, so too did its decadent celebration, spreading to the streets in 1871 and ebbing and flowing with the city’s fortunes since. 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. 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. 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. 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. Fri., Feb. 21st at 7:00 p.m. George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Honoree Parade. Following the George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Presentation, this is the first parade to Kick Off Mardi Gras Galveston 2025! 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. Mardi Gras in Galveston is a tradition that goes back to 1867 when a masked ball celebrating the holiday was first held in the city. By 1871, it became a citywide carnival, and it grew over the years to eventually become what is now: a two-week-long festival featuring an abundance of celebrations, concerts and colorful 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 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. 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 Mardi Gras Parades – Dates, Routes & Must-See Events. Celebrate Mardi Gras in Galveston and Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!
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