The Carefree Traveller
Galveston's first recorded Mardi Gras celebration, in 1867, included a masked ball and a
theatrical performance from Shakespeare's "King Henry IV" .
Mardi Gras was first celebrated on a grand scale in Galveston in1871 with the emergence of
two rival Mardi Gras societies, or "Krewes" called the Knights of Momus (known only by the
initials "K.O.M.") and the Knights of Myth, both of which devised night parades, masked balls,
exquisite costumes and elaborate invitations.
In the years following, the parades and balls grew more elaborate, attracting attention
throughout the state. By 1873, visitors from around the state were attending the festivities.
By 1880, the street parades proved too extravagant and expensive to continue. However,
Mardi Gras masked balls continued to flourish through the end of the century.
The 1917 masked ball took on added glamour with the first official appearance of King Frivolous
and his court, who arrived by "royal yacht," paraded through the streets, and was presented
by the mayor with the keys to the city.
In 1918, due to the outbreak of World War I, the coronation was canceled and the celebration
of Mardi Gras confined to a single day, but the festivities and the coronation of King Frivolous
resumed the following year.
Brilliant and lavish carnivals were celebrated through February 1941, when Mardi Gras
celebrations ceased on the Island. For nearly 40 years, the annual celebrations were of a
private nature, including those hosted by the Maceo family, the Galveston Artillery Club, the
Treasure Ball Association and Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
1985 saw the restoration of the Island's splendid tradition. The spectacular revival featured a
mile-long Grand Night Parade saluting "The Age of Mythology." That same year the 1871
Knights of Momus were revived by several Galvestonians and continues today.
Since 1985, Mardi Gras! Galveston, as the event is now known, has grown dramatically in size
and scope. Now expanding over two weekends, has 20 participating Krewes. Mardi Gras!
Galveston is celebrated with an entertainment district, parades, masked balls, art exhibits, and
sporting events. Mardi Gras! Galveston now annually attracts as many as 250,000 revelers
throughout the island.
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
theatrical performance from Shakespeare's "King Henry IV" .
Mardi Gras was first celebrated on a grand scale in Galveston in1871 with the emergence of
two rival Mardi Gras societies, or "Krewes" called the Knights of Momus (known only by the
initials "K.O.M.") and the Knights of Myth, both of which devised night parades, masked balls,
exquisite costumes and elaborate invitations.
In the years following, the parades and balls grew more elaborate, attracting attention
throughout the state. By 1873, visitors from around the state were attending the festivities.
By 1880, the street parades proved too extravagant and expensive to continue. However,
Mardi Gras masked balls continued to flourish through the end of the century.
The 1917 masked ball took on added glamour with the first official appearance of King Frivolous
and his court, who arrived by "royal yacht," paraded through the streets, and was presented
by the mayor with the keys to the city.
In 1918, due to the outbreak of World War I, the coronation was canceled and the celebration
of Mardi Gras confined to a single day, but the festivities and the coronation of King Frivolous
resumed the following year.
Brilliant and lavish carnivals were celebrated through February 1941, when Mardi Gras
celebrations ceased on the Island. For nearly 40 years, the annual celebrations were of a
private nature, including those hosted by the Maceo family, the Galveston Artillery Club, the
Treasure Ball Association and Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
1985 saw the restoration of the Island's splendid tradition. The spectacular revival featured a
mile-long Grand Night Parade saluting "The Age of Mythology." That same year the 1871
Knights of Momus were revived by several Galvestonians and continues today.
Since 1985, Mardi Gras! Galveston, as the event is now known, has grown dramatically in size
and scope. Now expanding over two weekends, has 20 participating Krewes. Mardi Gras!
Galveston is celebrated with an entertainment district, parades, masked balls, art exhibits, and
sporting events. Mardi Gras! Galveston now annually attracts as many as 250,000 revelers
throughout the island.
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
Mardi Gras! Galveston
February 25 - March 8, 2011
Mardi Gras! Galveston celebrates its 100th event
since it’s inception in 1867.
February 25 - March 8, 2011
Mardi Gras! Galveston celebrates its 100th event
since it’s inception in 1867.
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Carnival and Mardi Gras Celebrations
Mardi Gras in New Orleans (Louisiana)
Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge (Louisiana)
Mobile Mardi Gras (Alabama)
Mardi Gras in New Orleans (Louisiana)
Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge (Louisiana)
Mobile Mardi Gras (Alabama)
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Carefree Traveller. Travel guides, maps and travel store.
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Accomodations:
Hotels
Resorts & Spas
Vacation Home & Villas
Vacation Packages
Car Rentals
Travel With Pets
Specialty Travel
Tours
Festivals & Special Events
Travel Insurance
Travel Planning
Destinations
Travel Guides
Maps
Travel Store
Resources
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Contact Us
Seawall Parades
Saturday, February 26, 2011
12:00pm- Mystic Krewe of Aquarius 24th annual Mardi Gras Kick off Parade
6:00pm- Krewe of Gambrinus “Lights Up the Night” Parade -
Saturday, March 5, 2011
6:30pm- Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade - Mardi Gras! Galveston’s largest parade
Sunday, March 6, 2011
1:00pm- Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade - Bringing out the best in people and their pets,
this parade begins at 27th and Seawall and proceeds west to 47th Street, to the Academy
parking lot. Pets of all sizes, shapes, and species are welcome (costumes optional). Pre-
parade costume contest, with the winners making up the Royal Court.
2:00pm- Mardi Gras Children’s Parade - Firefighters Local 571 hosts a parade dedicated to
the families and children of Galveston.
Uptown Entertainment District Parades
The Uptown Entertainment District will feature all NEW parades this year in addition to your
favorites from the past
Saturday, February 26, 2011
12:00pm- Mystic Krewe of Aquarius 24th annual Mardi Gras Kick off Parade
6:00pm- Krewe of Gambrinus “Lights Up the Night” Parade -
Saturday, March 5, 2011
6:30pm- Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade - Mardi Gras! Galveston’s largest parade
Sunday, March 6, 2011
1:00pm- Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade - Bringing out the best in people and their pets,
this parade begins at 27th and Seawall and proceeds west to 47th Street, to the Academy
parking lot. Pets of all sizes, shapes, and species are welcome (costumes optional). Pre-
parade costume contest, with the winners making up the Royal Court.
2:00pm- Mardi Gras Children’s Parade - Firefighters Local 571 hosts a parade dedicated to
the families and children of Galveston.
Uptown Entertainment District Parades
The Uptown Entertainment District will feature all NEW parades this year in addition to your
favorites from the past
Fat Tuesday, March 8
Krewe Babalu Fat Tuesday Public Celebration and Blessing of the Season
5:00 pm – 12:00 am. 23rd and Strand (Dargan & Tobyn Bldg.). The official public celebration
party to celebrate the end of Mardi Gras Galveston 2011. Bead throwing and parade viewing
from the best balcony in town. The evening is capped by the 2011 royalty from each Krewe
pronouncing their “blessing of the season”. Live music and cash bar. $20.00 per person.
Info: Gladden Walters, 281-703-3331 or visit our website www.krewebablu.com.
Krewe Babalu Fat Tuesday Public Celebration and Blessing of the Season
5:00 pm – 12:00 am. 23rd and Strand (Dargan & Tobyn Bldg.). The official public celebration
party to celebrate the end of Mardi Gras Galveston 2011. Bead throwing and parade viewing
from the best balcony in town. The evening is capped by the 2011 royalty from each Krewe
pronouncing their “blessing of the season”. Live music and cash bar. $20.00 per person.
Info: Gladden Walters, 281-703-3331 or visit our website www.krewebablu.com.