Floats, partygoers and beads will be taking over the Strand in Galveston Island when the third-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country kicks off on Friday, Feb. 10.
two-weekend的庆祝活动将包括多个parades, family-friendly festivities and live entertainment. Headliners includeChris Janson, Ghostland Observatory and the Tejano group Secretto.
Here is a look at the full schedule including parade routes and the concert lineup:
Friday, Feb. 10
Party Gras! Procession, 5 p.m.
Honorees and special guests arrive at the Tremont House, led by a brass band, kicking off the Friday night celebration.
George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Presentation, 5:30 p.m.
Each year the recipients are honored with a ceremony in front of The Tremont House and names are added to a plaque that hangs in the lobby.
George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Honoree Parade, 7 p.m.
The George P. Mitchell Parade begins, marking the start of Mardi Gras! Galveston festivities. The parade starts at The Tremont House and floats through the Historic Strand District in Galveston.
Route:The parade begins in front of The Tremont House, located at 2300 Ship’s Mechanic Row. It will travel east on Ship’s Mechanic Row to 20th Street and proceed west on Strand Street to 25th Street.
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The Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade, 8:30 p.m.
The iconic annual Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade features revelers twirling their way through the Entertainment District. Sponsored by The Galveston County Daily News, the public is invited to participate in this procession as the umbrella dancers perform “The Hokey Pokey” down the streets of Galveston.
Mardi Gras! Galveston Parade, 10 p.m.
The last parade of the first night winds its way through the Entertainment District with floats, bands and beads.
Saturday, Feb. 11
The Jolly Jester Jaunt – Official Mardi Gras! Galveston 5K, 11 a.m.
Runners dawning Mardi Gras-themed t-shirts, socks and jester hats will “jaunt” through the Entertainment District Saturday morning for a 5K Fun Run that ends with free libations and a balcony party.
Route:The run begins at 24th Street and Ship’s Mechanic Row, proceeds east to 20th Street, turns north on 20th Street, west at Strand Street. The 5K then heads west on Strand to 25th Street, turns south onto 25th Street, and then east on Mechanic back under the arch. The 5K route is 4 loops.
Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade, noon
The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade begins on the Seawall and travels down through the Entertainment District. The Krewe was organized in March of 1985 and is the second oldest Mardi Gras Social Organization since its revival in 1985. The 65-unit parade features 12 Aquarius double-decker floats, 15 marching bands, dance teams, and numerous other floats and walking units.
Route:Beginning at 57th and Seawall, The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade will head east towards 25th street. The parade will travel down 25th street and enter the Entertainment District at 25th and Mechanic and will go down Strand street.
12th Annual Zaniest Golf Cart Parade, 1 p.m.
Zany Golf Carts take to the Strand, rolling down the parade route donning Mardi Gras! themed decorations. The parade is a platform for locals and visitors to get creative, interact with each other and have fun. Participants can even choose to compete for balcony party tickets in a cart-decorating contest.
Route:The parade begins on Strand Street at 20th Street, proceeds west on Strand Street to 25th Street, travels south on 25th Street to Ship’s Mechanic Row, then proceeds east along Ship’s Mechanic Row to 20th Street, north along 20th Street to Strand Street.
Krewe d’iHeart Media Parade with Grand Marshal Tyler Hoover of Jeep, 3 p.m.
The Krewe d’iHeartMedia Parade features 15 pieces of rolling art (cars) from the ArtX Group, combined with more than 30 decorated and tricked-out jeeps from different areas.
Route:The parade begins on Strand Street at 20th Street, proceeds west on Strand Street to 25th Street, travels south on 25th Street to Ship’s Mechanic Row, then proceeds east along Ship’s Mechanic Row to 20th Street, north along 20th Street to Strand Street.
Krewe of Gambrinus Parade, 6 p.m.
As one of the two Galveston Super Parades, Krewe of Gambrinus launches 14 huge floats and marching bands, tossing over 600,000 beads and trinkets. the Krewe of Gambrinus, is a not-for-profit organization, chartered for the support of tourism and underprivileged children in Galveston, Harris and surrounding counties.
Route:Beginning at 57th and Seawall, The Krewe of Gambrinus Parade will head east towards 25th street. The parade will travel down 25th street and enter the Entertainment District at 25th and Mechanic and will go down Strand street.
Sunday, Feb. 12
El Norte La Raza Parade, 1 p.m.
This parade will feature celebrity grand marshal Vidal Luna from El Norte Houston, floats, walking groups, marching bands, and various Hispanic Heritage organizations. You can catch beads, enjoy bands and watch the beautiful display of costumes and pageantry.
Route:The parade begins on Strand Street at 20th Street, proceeds west on Strand Street to 25th Street, travels south on 25th Street to Ship’s Mechanic Row, then proceeds east along Ship’s Mechanic Row to 20th Street, north along 20th Street to Strand Street.
Los Locos Vaqueros & Jeeps Parade with Grand Marshal Miss Houston Daisy Sudderth, 4 p.m.
This lively parade will feature celebrity grand marshal Joana Lujan and Miss Houston and Mardi Gras! Galveston-themed jeeps. Marching bands, mariachi bands and decorated floats throwing beads, candy and other Mardi Gras Swag will join.
Route:The parade begins on Strand Street at 20th Street, proceeds west on Strand Street to 25th Street, travels south on 25th Street to Ship’s Mechanic Row, then proceeds east along Ship’s Mechanic Row to 20th Street, north along 20th Street to Strand Street.
Friday, Feb. 17
Salute to Texas – First Responders Day
First responders, veterans and military personnel, plus one guest will receive free admission to Mardi Gras! Galveston on Friday, Feb. 17, when they present their badge or military identification at the gate.
Danny Weber Memorial Fire Truck Parade, 7 p.m.
This parade is dedicated to Danny Weber, who served 30 years in the Galveston Fire Department. Fire trucks from stations across the state will parade down The Strand with lights and sirens.
Route:The parade begins on Strand Street at 20th Street, proceeds west on Strand Street to 25th Street, travels south on 25th Street to Ship’s Mechanic Row, then proceeds east along Ship’s Mechanic Row to 20th Street, north along 20th Street to Strand Street.
克鲁巴巴鲁”基地l Krewe” Parade, 8 p.m.
This parade will include floats from krewes, plus business, civic and fraternal organizations throughout the region.
Route:The parade will begin at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place and head south on 25th Street. The parade will turn at 25th and Mechanic, and loop twice around Strand/Mechanic.
Krewe of 93Q Parade with Grand Marshal Erica Rico, 9:30 p.m.
Revelers will enjoy this festive night parade, as it circles the Entertainment District wrapping up the second Friday of celebrations for Mardi Gras! Galveston, 2023. Crowd favorites, Booker T Washington and The Worthington High School Marching Band are both back for 2023.
Route:The parade will begin at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place and head south on 25th Street. The parade will turn at 25th and Mechanic, and loop twice around Strand/Mechanic.
Saturday Feb. 18
Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Parade, 11 a.m.
Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire is the only Black Catholic Krewe located on the island. Their annual Mardi Gras Pageant was started by Rev. Father Louis Saparito and the tradition continues today with Holy Family Parish. The Parade features many high-stepping marching bands from Houston and the surrounding area along with drill teams, ROTC groups, the Krewe Royalty, committee members, church organizations and many of the church members.
Z Krewe Z Parade, 1 p.m.
This parade features bands, military units and zany revelers from multiple clubs and is led by Big Daddy and Big Momma, followed by King and Queen Zanie and their royal Zoots and Zaftigs. Hundreds of “Zannies” throw beads to the crowds and continue to do so after the parade from their private balcony on Strand Street.
Route:The parade will begin at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place and head south on 25th Street. The parade will turn at 25th and Mechanic, and loop twice around Strand/Mechanic.
Mix 96.5 Parade, 2:30 p.m.
The Mix 96.5 Parade hosts an array of on-air radio ticket winners from around the Houston area. Riders dance to today’s top hits as they cruise through the Entertainment District tossing beads to parade spectators.
Route:The parade will begin at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place and head south on 25th Street. The parade will turn at 25th and Mechanic, and loop twice around Strand/Mechanic.
Ben E Keith Parade, 4 p.m.
Revelers will enjoy this festive parade, as it circles the Entertainment District during the second Saturday of celebrations for Mardi Gras! Galveston, 2023.
Route:The parade will begin at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place and head south on 25th Street. The parade will turn at 25th and Mechanic, and loop twice around Strand/Mechanic.
Jumpin’ Jays Bumpin’ Bus Parade – So Fly It’ll Make You Wanna Die, 6 p.m.
More than 20 decked-out party buses roll through The Entertainment District bumping music and throwing beads. The iconic Dancing Queen, Dancing King & Lemonade Bus have become a staple for all Galveston Parade Celebrations. Presented by The Carnes Funeral Home.
Route:The parade begins on Strand Street at 20th Street, proceeds west on Strand Street to 25th Street, travels south on 25th Street to Ship’s Mechanic Row, then proceeds east along Ship’s Mechanic Row to 20th Street, north along 20th Street to Strand Street.
Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade, 6:30 p.m.
Mardi Gras! Galveston’s largest parade will feature elaborate floats, marching bands, bead throwing and more.
Route:Begging on Seawall, the Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade will head west towards travel 25th street, travel north down 25th and enter the Entertainment District at 25th and Mechanic and travel down the Strand.
Sunday, Feb. 19
Family Gras!
On Feb. 19, the entertainment district will be free to the public for a Family Gras celebration sponsored by Moody National Bank. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Sunshine Kids and Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Shriners Children’s Texas & Sunshine Kids Parade, noon
数以百计的阳光男孩和杰出人物的孩子,ong with their families, will enjoy lunch and throw beads off the C-Force Water by Chuck Norris balcony on Strand Street. They will also kick off their parade at noon throwing beads, candy and more.
Route:The parade begins on Strand Street at 20th Street, proceeds west on Strand Street to 25th Street, travels south on 25th Street to Ship’s Mechanic Row, then proceeds east along Ship’s Mechanic Row to 20th Street, north along 20th Street to Strand Street.
Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade, 1:30 p.m.
Stemming from a desire for locals and their pets to have a way to be involved in the Mardi Gras! Galveston festivities, The Humane Society created the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade 22 years ago. Leading the parade each year is the “Elite Pet Owner,” a title awarded at the annual, Paws Gala, which is held each September. This year, the winner was Concetta Maceo. The Krewe also continued the relatively new, Cat’s Eye View Balcony Party in 2020, which grows bigger and better each year.
Route:The parade begins on Strand Street at 20th Street, proceeds west on Strand Street to 25th Street, travels south on 25th Street to Ship’s Mechanic Row, then proceeds east along Ship’s Mechanic Row to 20th Street, north along 20th Street to Strand Street.
Firefighters Children’s Parade, 3 p.m.
Local firefighters and first responders host a parade dedicated to the families and children of Galveston with decorated floats and costumed kids.
Route:The parade will begin at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place and head south on 25th Street. The parade will turn at 25th and Postoffice, proceed east down Postoffice Street, turn north on 19th Street, turn west on Strand Street and conclude at 25th and Strand.
Tuesday, Feb. 21
Mystic Krewe of Aquarius, 6:30 p.m.
The popular Mystic Krewe of Aquarius presents its grand Fat Tuesday parade downtown, featuring marching bands, dance teams and dozens of lighted floats, marking the final hours of Mardi Gras! Galveston 2023.
Route:The parades begin 28th and Market Street, east to 25th Street (Rosenberg), turns right to Postoffice Street, turns left and proceeds to 19th street, turns left to Strand, turns left and proceeds to 25th street and ends.
Entertainment lineup
Friday, Feb. 10
The Line Up:5:15 p.m., Corona Extra Stage
Ogre:7:30 p.m., Corona Extra Stage
DJ Nonstop:8 p.m., Salute to Texas Stage
Bare Necessity:10 p.m., Corona Extra Stage
DJ Red:10 p.m., Salute to Texas Stage
Saturday, Feb. 11
Mid Life Crisis:12:30 p.m., Corona Extra Stage
David Lee Garza y Los Musicales:2:30 p.m., Salute to Texas Stage
The Slags:2:30 p.m., Corona Extra Stage
Headliner Ghostland Observatory:6 p.m., Corona Extra Stage
DJ Nonstop:8 p.m., Salute to Texas Stage
DJ Bizonee:10 p.m., Salute to Texas Stage
treblehook:10 p.m., Corona Extra Stage
Fiesta Gras! Sunday, Feb. 12
Kazzabe:Noon, Corona Extra Stage
Headliner Secretto:2:30 p.m., Corona Extra Stage
Friday, Feb. 17
Steph Cash Band:5:30 p.m., Corona Extra Stage
Brandon McDermott Band:8:30 p.m., Corona Extra Stage
DJ Bryan Rhymez:8 p.m., Salute to Texas Stage
DJ Thomas Grey:10 p.m., Salute to Texas Stage
Headliner Chris Janson:10:30 p.m., Corona Extra Stage
DJ Nonstop:11 p.m., Salute to Texas Stage
Saturday, Feb. 18
铸铁玉米面包:Noon, Corona Extra Stage
Gabriella Martinez:2:30 p.m., Salute to Texas Stage
Mambo Jazz Kings:2:30 p.m., Corona Extra Stage
LVVRS:6 p.m., Corona Extra Stage
DJ Nonstop:8 p.m., Salute to Texas Stage
DJ T3:10 p.m., Salute to Texas Stage
Everlong:10:30 p.m., Corona Extra Stage
Family Gras! Sunday, Feb. 19
The Bilge Pumps:Noon, Corona Extra Stage
Kevin Anthony & G-Town:3 p.m., Corona Extra Stage
For more information, visitmardigrasgalveston.com.
ana.khan@chron.com