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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 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. 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. %PDF-1.5 %µµµµ 1 0 obj >>> endobj 2 0 obj > endobj 3 0 obj >/XObject >/Font >/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 960 540] /Contents 4 0 R 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 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 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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 Fri., Feb. 10 @ 7:00pm 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! This parade is packed with marching bands, dancing squads & tons of energy. This year's Mardi Gras Galveston celebration will feature more than 20 different events with multiple local krewes. 9 p.m. — Mardi Gras Galveston Parade. Just like on the first Friday, a GALVESTON, Texas — People took to the streets in 40-degree temperatures to celebrate the first night of Mardi Gras in Galveston Friday. The party was set for weekends through March 4. 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 The largest Mardi Gras celebration in Texas and the 114th celebration kicks off Friday, Feb. 21, bringing two incredible weekends of parades, live entertainment, balcony parties, and family-friendly fun to Galveston’s historic downtown district. Galveston’s first Mardi Gras celebration was held in 1867. Festivities that year included a masquerade ball and a performance of Shakespeare’s King Henry IV. By 1871, Galveston’s Mardi Gras had become a much more elaborate event.
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