Coming down to Galveston soon? Looking to party and have some fun? Why not attend the 108th annual Mardi Gras? The celebration lasts from February 22 – March 5, 2019.
This year there will be over 300,000 attendees as well as 22 parades, 20 balcony parties, and over 30 concerts! There is endless fun for everyone to enjoy.
Today we will discuss what Mardi Gras is, why we celebrate it, and all the fun things you can do while you attend.
What is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is another word for carnival celebration, beginning during or after the Christian feast of the Epiphany and ending on the day before Ash Wednesday.
Why do we celebrate Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is the last night of eating unhealthy and fatty food before the fasting season known as Lenten.
What is the Mardi Gras King Cake?
The Mardi Gras King Cake involves a small pastry and a small plastic baby. The small plastic baby is hidden inside and the person who just so happens to get the piece with the baby is in charge of hosting the next party. This tradition originated from New Orleans.
Parades
Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade- Come dressed up like an umbrella with your own souped up umbrella for the 8th annual Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade. This parade will take place in the Downtown Entertainment District Friday February 22, 2019. The parade lineup will begin at 6:30 and the actual parade will start at 8:30. Make sure you dance through the streets and have fun! Judging for best group outfits and theme will take place at 23rd & Strand, so get your friends together and go win the competition!
Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Kick-Off Parade- The annual parade will be featuring over 60 units lead by the 2019 King & Queen and Royal Court. The parade will also feature 11 Aquarius floats and 15 marching Bands. The Aquarius Seawall parade make its way down the seawall to 25th street where it will head downtown to Mechanic and Strand streets. The event will take place on Saturday, February 23, 2019 from 12pm – 3pm at 57th & Seawall to The Strand District If you want a lot of parades, don’t miss this parade!
Shriners Hospitals for Children & Sunshine Kids Parade- Bring your entire family for a day full of fun that your children will never forget. The Shriners Hospitals for Children & Sunshine Kids Parade begins at 12:00pm with fun and festive floats along with Clowns and Mini-Cars! This event will take place on Sunday, March 3, 2019 at the Strand District.
For more information about other parades as well as the whole lineup, please visit the link here.
Balcony Parties
The balcony parties give you a great view of all the festivities going on during Mardi Gras. You will also be provided with a bar and lively music, so dance the night away! You must be 21 and over to attend. For pricing and to see the entire party lineup, please visit the link here.
Contest
Official Poster Contest of Mardi Gras- Artists from all over are invited to submit their work to the contest and the winner for best poster will be rewarded a whopping $1000. You are allowed to submit your work from November 5, 2018 – January 16, 2019. The unveiling party will be held on February 1st at 6 pm at the Beerfoot Brewery. To see the guidelines and rules of the contest please visit this link here.
Tickets
Pricing varies as to when you decide to go, so please see the link below to get more information on pricing: