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Every year, for 12 days and 11 nights the island is overtaken with elaborate parades, masked balls, and everything Mardi Gras! Galveston. Two things that are synonymous with this popular island celebration are bead throwing, and of course, parades.
Saturday, January 26, 2008:
Mystic Krewe of Aquarius 21st Annual Mardi Gras Kick-off Parade – 12:00 noon. Galveston’s Seawall Boulevard will come alive with Mardi Gras fever as the Mystic Krewe of Aquarius opens the 2008 carnival season with “A Celebration of The Renaissance” in a 100-unit parade. The parade will begin at 14th Street and proceed to 57th Street. This most-colorful of all parades will feature 180 costumed Krewe members on 10 theme-decorated floats. The big parade will also showcase 25 marching bands and numerous dance drill teams. For the most beads, do not miss this family parade.
Galveston County Firefighter’s Association 2nd Annual Fire Truck Parade – 3:00pm. A huge hit in its first year, the Fire Truck Parade looks to be even bigger this year. Parade begins at 14th Street and Seawall and heads west on Seawall to 61st Street.
Krewe of Gambrinus “Beads and Make Believe ” Parade - 6:00pm, King Gambrinus throws a party for 200,000 of his closest friends with over 650,000 throws and a fantastic fireworks display. Parade runs along Seawall Blvd. from 22nd St. to Central City Blvd. (63rd St.) in Galveston. Free to the public. Info: 409-925-2130, 409-925-0559, 770-0876, tjmorgan1995@sbcglobal.net, www.kreweofgambrinus.org
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Friday, February 1, 2008:
Krewe du Vroom 2nd Annual Motorcycle Parade – 7:00pm. The first and only All-motorcycle Mardi Gras Krewe in the United States will parade for the second time. Come early to see and hear “VROOM”. Begins at 25th and New Strand. Parade travels south to 25th Street to Mechanic, east on Mechanic to 20th Street, north on 20th Street to Strand, west on Strand to 25th Street, south on 25th Street to Market Street. Information: kreweduvroom@aol.com.
Krewe Babalu 3rd Annual “All Krewe Parade” –
8:00 pm Start time. Begins at 26th and Santa Fe Place. Right on 25th Street, Left on Mechanic to 21st Street. Left on 21st Street to Strand. Left on Strand to 25th Street. 25th Street to Santa Fe Place. Parade participation open to all Krewes, businesses, civic and fraternal entities. Info: Gladden Walters at 281-703-3331.
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Saturday, February 2, 2008:
Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire presents “Hollywood Parade: Riding on the Red Carpet” – Battle of the Bands begins at 9:00am at Kempner Park, with the parade beginning at 11:00am. Fun for families with lots of beads, trinkets, stuffed animals, and bands with their high-stepping marching style from Houston. After the parade, come join us in the church yard for cultural food and more bead throwing and dancing. For more information, contact Valerie Clouser McHenry at 713-494-9746 or valmac2001@aol.com.
Z Krewe 14th Z Processional - 1:00pm. Z Krewe will present it’s 14th Annual Processional through the historic streets of downtown Galveston and the Strand area, perpetuating the spirit of Mardi Gras with bands, beads, and pirate booty. This year’s Zanie Pirate Processional, led by Captain Big Daddy and Big Momma 14, will wind its way to the Trumpet’s balcony where King and Queen Zanie XIV and their royal court of Zoots and Zaftigs will salute the crowd and party on the Strand. The processional route will begin at 25th Street and Mechanic, travel east along Mechanic to 20th Street, and the proceed to the Strand. Z Krewe’s parade of pirates and partygoers will continue west on the Strand ending at 25th. For more information, visit www.zkrewe.net or call 409-933-4413.
Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade - 6:30 p.m. Mardi Gras! Galveston’s largest parade will feature floats, Mummers, marching bands, dignitaries, bead throwing and more. Parade starts at Seawall Boulevard and 21st Street, turns right on 25th Street and continues to Mechanic Street. Right on Mechanic Street to 21st Street, turn left on 21st to The Strand. Left on Strand and end at the Railroad Museum, public viewing, no charge. Info: 409-744-3307.
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Sunday, February 3, 2008:
10th Annual Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Mardi Gras Parade - 1:00 pm, line-up begins at noon. Bringing out the best in people and their pets, this parade begins at 25th and Ave M and proceeds north across Broadway to Shearn Moody Plaza. Pets of all sizes, shapes, and species are welcome (costumes optional). Pre- parade costume contest, with the winners making up the Royal Court. Last year we had approximately 210 animals and hope to top that number. This parade benefits the daily operations of the Galveston Island Humane Society. $15 pre-registration and $20 day of parade. Info and registration: Caroline Dorsett, (409) 740-1919 or gihs@sbcglobal.net .
Mardi Gras Children’s Parade - 2:00pm, Firefighters Local 571 will host a parade dedicated to the families and children of Galveston. The parade celebrates Mardi Gras with costumed kids and decorated floats. Parade begins at Ave. N and 25th, and proceed to the Railroad Museum. Pre-registration for parade participation is required. Info: Charles Olsen at 409-789-1265 or 409-763-1047 www.childrensparade.org.
Fat Tuesday, February 5, 2008:
Mystic Krewe of Aquarius “Fat Tuesday” Parade – Aquarius will celebrate the final hours of the 2008 Mardi Gras with their annual “Fat Tuesday” Parade at 6:30pm. Many participating Krewes will follow the route through historic Downtown and the Strand District. The lighted parade will feature dozens of floats and numerous marching bands and is a favorite with locals. As always, Aquarius members like to say “We end what we begin”.
For more information on Mardi Gras! Galveston 2007 visit www.mardigrasgalveston.com
or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.
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