Experiencing Mardi Gras Galveston: My First Time into Galveston's Biggest Party

Ah, Mardi Gras! A celebration that has long piqued my curiosity with its vibrant parades, lively music, and rich cultural history. My husband has been to Mardi Gras multiple times in Louisiana. I haven’t. The only thing I know of Mardi Gras is its history of a Fat Tuesday and always the day before Ash Wednesday. Since we have moved to the States and finally an hour away from Galveston, the third biggest Mardi Gras celebration in the USA, we decided to dive into the festivities and experience Mardi Gras in Galveston as a first-timer. Let me tell you, it was an adventure worth every bead and mask!

What Makes Mardi Gras Galveston Tick

A Bit of History:

Mardi Gras Galveston has been around for 114 years, and it’s a really big deal here in Texas. It’s their own spin on the classic New Orleans carnival. With 300,000 party-goers, it’s not your average weekend shindig. We’re talking about huge parades led by groups like the Knights of Momus and Krewe of Gambrinus, where the floats are moving art exhibits. And the krewes? They're the folks who keep this party going year after year, dressed to impress and full of energy.

Preparations and Getting Ready

As any seasoned Mardi Gras attendee will tell you, preparation is key to fully enjoying the festivities. With excitement building, my first stop was at Arne’s Warehouse in Houston—a party for anyone looking to gear up for the celebration. Known as the go-to spot for costumes and party supplies, Arne’s did not disappoint. We got feathered masks, printed & sequined outfits, cool beads and everything in between. It was fun shopping around, that our bills piled up without us realizing! We got 3 sets of costumes for 3 day and the staff at Arne’s were incredibly helpful, offering tips on what items were essential for a first-timer like myself.

However! Getting closer to the date, the weather did not cooperate. The forecast was a cold breeze and rains throughout the weekend. Friday was fine but Saturday experienced thunderstorms. All our costumes were covered in rain jackets and coats. Good news is, we don’t have to shop for next year’s festivities with this year’s haul!

Arrival and First Impressions

Parking was surprisingly a breeze. It may be due to attendees thinking twice of going due to the rain. The streets were alive with colors, sounds, and scents unique to this grand celebration. The historic charm of Galveston provided a perfect backdrop for the festivities, with its beautiful architecture and welcoming locals adding to the allure.

The Parades

The parades at Mardi Gras Galveston were truly the heart of the celebration. From the moment the floats roll down the street, there was a feeling of pure excitement in the air. The parade schedule was filled with unique experiences. The George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Honoree Parade kicked off the festivities with marching bands, dancing squads, and plenty of beads. It was exhilarating to see locals and visitors alike cheering with enthusiasm as the colorful floats passed by.

One of the most delightful parades was the Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade. Picture thousands of people spinning creatively decorated umbrellas as they make their way along the route, stopping to perform quirky dances like the “Hokey Pokey” under the Mardi Gras Arch. There were different themes during the parade, such as Beetlejuice and Under The Sea with hundreds of lit up jellyfish walking at night! This parade brought smiles and laughter, a beautiful celebration of community spirit and fun.

Another personal favorite was the Krewe D’iHeart Media Art Car & Jeep Parade. This parade was a feast for the eyes, featuring rolling art cars from the ArtX Group and a fleet of decorated jeeps, each more creative than the last. It was a fantastic showcase of creativity and enthusiasm, perfect for families, art lovers, and Jeep enthusiasts.

Throughout the parades, the music was phenomenal, thanks to the participation of marching bands from various schools. The bands from local high schools brought the energy with their upbeat rhythms and tight performances. Seeing students from different schools in the area showcase their talent added an extra layer of community spirit to the festivities. Their synchronized moves and lively music really kept the crowd engaged and dancing along.

We caught so many beads throughout the celebrations. There were funky beads that got thrown our way too. We decorated the house with some of the beads, and gave some to kids who didn’t get any.

Mardi Gras 2025 celebration in Galveston

Music and Dance

When it comes to music and dance, Mardi Gras in Galveston is a blast. The streets were alive with all kinds of tunes, from jazz to zydeco. I couldn't help but groove along with everyone else, totally caught up in the fun vibe. Each performance was like a little taste of the rich culture that makes Mardi Gras so special.

Food, Glorious Food!

It's impossible to talk about Mardi Gras without mentioning the food. Cajun and Creole flavors filled the air, and, of course, king cake. Each bite was a celebration of flavor, a culinary delight that added to the richness of the experience. There were also food trucks that served good old classic American food such as corndogs, Mediterranean food, and local vendors. We got peanut brittle from a local vendor that has different flavors such as Coffee, Spicy Pecan, Sweet Caramel. Yummy!

Feeling Safe

Amidst the festivities, one thing that stood out was the palpable sense of safety, thanks to the tight security and visible police presence. Officers were stationed strategically throughout the event, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. Their presence was reassuring, allowing everyone to enjoy the celebrations without worry, adding to the overall positive atmosphere.

Celebrating Together

Mardi Gras Galveston really shines because it brings people to celebrate. It’s a festival that says “everyone’s welcome.” . Imagine catching beads while grooving to a marching band—it’s a feel-good moment for sure. Wrapping up my Mardi Gras Galveston experience, I have to say it’s an adventure worth taking. I can’t wait to go to next year’s Mardi Gras, hopefully with better weather, and get to experience it a different way. So, here's to beads, music, costumes from Arne's, and the spirit of Mardi Gras—until next time, laissez les bon temps rouler!