Mardi Gras! Galveston

When: preLenten celebration for 12 days before Ash Wednesday

Photos courtesy Mardi Gras! Galveston

A Gulf Coast tradition since 1985, over 250,000 revelers converge in Galveston for 12 days to experience a touch of New Orleans with a decidedly Texas twist. Following are just a sample of the parades and soirees in store for Mardi Gras merry-makers:

Family-friendly daytime fetes: Celebrations commence with a parade for all ages as The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius provide a 90-minute, themed
procession of floats, marching bands and drill teams. Among the oldest and most revered of Galveston's social organizations, The Krewe returns each year to bring the party to a close in a "Fat Tuesday" parade

Being a fireman is a favorite childhood fantasy, and the sight of their heroes riding past in a series of bright red fire engines during the Galveston Firefighters Association Fire Truck Parade will be a dream come true for young boys.

The trumpets and trombones of a marching band herald the arrival of the Krewe de Esprit Rosaire Parade on February 17th to the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, where visitors can enjoy refreshments and the Galveston-style groove of a Battle of The Bands.

Big Daddy and Big Momma 13 reign supreme over Galveston's historic Strand district during the Z Krewe's Z Processional. Beads thrown from the Zoots and Zaftigs are a crowning achievement for any Mardi Gras attendee.

Canine companions, feline friends and a host of coastal critters promenade along the party circuit during the annual Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Mardi Paws Parade. Ribbons will be awarded in several categories, and every pet will feel like a winner when walking past the appreciative crowd.

Children from around the state ride festively-festooned floats and throw trinkets to the crowd during the Mardi Gras Children's Parade, courtesy of the Local 571 Fire Department. Costumed characters will be in the running for Best Dressed Boy, Best Dressed Girl and Best Dressed Family medallions.

Adult-oriented evening festivities: Fireworks illuminate the festivities as the Krewe of Gambrinus, named in honor of "the patron saint of alcohol," shower spectators with doubloons and rainbow-colored beads in a spirited show which includes 15 floats and an equal number of marching bands.

Get your motor running to 26th and Santa Fe Place, where The Krewe of Vroom's motorcycle parade is guaranteed to rev up a crowd that was born to be wild.

A conglomeration of Krewes and civic organizations create a convivial cavalcade at Krewe Babalu's "All Krewe Parade."

The Mardi Gras experience could not be considered complete without seeing the Quaker City String Band Philadelphia Mummers, who will walk in the Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade on February 17th alongside a number of floats and marching bands. (The parade starts at Seawall Boulevard and 21st Street and continue to the Railroad Museum.)

Twelve days of celebrations completes its cycle the way it began, with a parade helmed by the Krewe of Aquarius. The final fling before Lent begins just past sunset .

Parties: Get a sneak peek at parade floats at the Mystic Krewe of Aquarius' Annual "Barn Bash" and Krewe Babalu's Annual Den Party. Adults can participate in Mardi Gras action by throwing beads to bystanders from balconies on Strand Avenue during the Stars on the Brazos Krewe Balcony Party, the Krewe of Thalasar Ball, the Z Kewe Zestival and the Krewe of Who? Loft Party. (Tickets are required for all events.)

Other Mardi Gras Events: Adult revelers race in 10K and 5K runs along Stewart Beach, while kids compete in a 1K run or enjoy a morning of arts and crafts activities at a designated children's area.

Music lovers can look forward to an array of local and nationally-known artists over the 12-day period. In past years, chart toppers Blues Traveler and Doctor John have taken to the stage. Where To Stay: A fat wallet is not a necessity when it comes to enjoying Fat Tuesday festivities.

Fun Fact: A historic homage to the Oleander City's favorite festival, The Galveston Mardi Gras Museum lets the good times roll throughout the year with displays of ball programs, photos, trinkets and costumes from days gone by. The free exhibition is located at 2309-2311 Ship's Mechanic Row.

For More Information:

• visit www.mardigrasgalveston.com