Galveston will host the second-largest Mardi Gras event in the country in February and early March.
The schedule for Galveston’s 114th Mardi Gras celebration was made public this week.
This is a summary of the city’s celebrations, which will last for more than a week.
Friday, February 21:
Party Gras procession at 5 p.m.
A brass band will lead the George P. Mitchell honoree and other special guests in a parade to The Tremont House to begin the festivities. The Press Box on 24th Street and Postoffice Street will be the starting point of the parade, which will conclude at The Tremont House.
5:30 p.m. Award presentation by George P. Mitchell and Newe Krewe
The honorees of the Newe Krewe Award and the George P. Mitchell Award will be presented at an honor ceremony outside The Tremont House.
In recognition of Mitchell, a prosperous Galveston businessman, and others who work to keep the city’s Mardi Gras celebration alive, the George P. Mitchell Award was established.
Last year, the Newe Krewe Award was founded to honor newly created Krewes since 2011. An association or group in charge of its own float in a bigger Mardi Gras parade is known as a krewe.
7 p.m. Honoree Parade for the George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award
Marching bands and dancing teams start the first procession after the award ceremony. The Union Fire Truck, Carne’s Fleet of Bumpin’ Buses, and other local floats will also be part of this inaugural parade.
Beginning at 25th Street and Mechanic Street, the parade travels from 25th to 30th streets, around Mechanic Street and Strand Street.
8:30 p.m. The Uptown Funky Umbrella Brigade
Hundreds of painted umbrellas are carried by dancers in the Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade procession. The Hokey Pokey is performed by the umbrella welders as they pause beneath the Mardi Gras Arch. The brigade had over 2,000 members in 2019.
The Galveston Mardi Gras Parade at 10 p.m.
Late at night is when the Mardi Gras Galveston Parade begins. The route will be the last activity on the first day of celebration and will circle the city’s entertainment zone.
February 22, Saturday
The Jolly Jester Jaunt Galveston 5k at 11 a.m.
Joker hats and crazy socks are worn during this Mardi Gras-themed run through Galveston’s Entertainment District. Free beverages and a balcony party are held after the race.
Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade at Noon
This krewe is the second-oldest Mardi Gras social group in Galveston, having been established in March 1985.
14th Annual Zaniest Golf Cart Parade, 1 p.m.
Galveston residents decorate golf carts for this event, which began in 2011. A cart-decorating competition for balcony party tickets is also part of the event.
Art Car & Jeep Parade at 3 p.m.
Participants can display their decorated cars at this event, which is similar to the golf cart parade.
Krewe of Gambrinus Parade at 6 p.m.
With over 600,000 beads and 14 enormous floats, this is one of Galveston’s two spectacular parades. A local charitable organization called the Krewe of Gambrinus promotes tourism and helps impoverished kids in Galveston, Harris, and adjacent counties.
Sunday, February 23:
Fiesta Gras—1 p.m. Parade
This parade has dance krewes, marching bands, and floats honoring Hispanic heritage.
4 p.m. Parade of Jeeps, Golf Carts, and Los Locos Vaqueros
This procession, as its name implies, includes golf carts, Jeeps with Galveston themes, and mariachi bands.
February 28th, Friday:
6:30 p.m. Parade of the Danny Weber Memorial Fire Truck
More than 25 fire trucks from Houston, League City, Hitchcock, La Marque Jamaica Beach, and Galveston are part of this procession, which celebrates firemen.
7:30 p.m. Parade of Krewe Babalu “All Krewe”
Known as the “every man’s Mardi Gras krewe,” this event was founded in 1995 and promotes civic and social activities within Galveston.
Mardi Gras Galveston Parade at 9 p.m.
The week’s festivities conclude with a parade, much like on the first Friday.
March 1st, Saturday:
Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Parade at 11 a.m.
The only Black Catholic krewe in Galveston is Krewe d’Esprit. Houston marching bands, drill teams, and ROTC units participate in the parade.
Z Krewe Z Parade at 1 p.m.
Bands, military groups, and “zany revelers” from other clubs are all part of the Z Krewe’s Z Parade.
2:30 p.m. Galveston Mardi Gras Parade
During the more than week-long celebrations, this will be the third parade.
4 p.m. Keith Parade, Ben E.
This parade is sponsored by Ben E Keith Co. Foodservice Distributors.
5 p.m. Jumpin’ Jays Bumpin’ Bus Parade
This parade will feature the ionic Dancing Queen, Dancing King and Lemonade Bus as it drives through the entertainment district playing music.
6 p.m. Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade
This is one of the largest parades in Galveston and features the city’s oldest krewe.
Sunday, March 2:
Noon Shriners Children’s Texas & Sunshine Kids Parade
This family-friendly parade is sponsored by Shriners Hospitals for Children and Sunshine Kids.
1:30 p.m. Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade
Sponsored by the Galveston Island Humane Society, this krewe’s parade is for dog and cat lovers alike. Each year, the parade is led by the “Elite Pet Owner,” an annual award handed out in September.
3 p.m. Firefighters Children’s Parade
This parade is hosted by local firefighters and first responders. The parade is dedicated to the families and children of Galveston.
Tuesday, March 4:
6:30 p.m. Mystic Krewe of Aquarius
Taking place on the evening of “Fat Tuesday,” this parade closes out the city’s official Mardi Gras celebrations.
