Plan for Galveston’s Mardi Gras wrap-up
Galveston’s Mardi Gras party, the third-largest in the country, continues this weekend with the granddaddy of parades, the Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade on Saturday. Several more parades roll through the islandbefore the celebration ends on Fat Tuesday. Then the carnival comes to a close, with Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent.
Saturday
Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Parade, 11 a.m.
Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire, the sole Black Catholic Krewe on the island, began its annual Mardi Gras Pageant with Father Louis Saparito. The tradition persists through Holy Family Parish, showcasing a lively parade with high-stepping marching bands, drill teams, ROTC groups, krewe royalty, committee members and church organizations and local church members.
Route: Starts on 27th Street at Avenue O, travels south to the Seawall, turns west to 31st Street, turns north to Avenue N, turns east and then travels back to 27th Street.
Z Krewe Z Parade, 1 p.m.
Led by Big Daddy and Big Momma, the parade showcases bands, military units and participants from various clubs. King and Queen Zanie, accompanied by their royal Zoots and Zaftigs, lead the way. Numerous “Zannies” toss beads to the crowds.
Route: The parade will begin at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place, then head south on 25th Street. The parade will turn at 25th and Mechanic and loop twice around Strand/Mechanic.
KRBE Krewe Parade, 2:30 p.m.
Spectators can grab beads as floats roll through the Entertainment District in the KRBE-sponsored parade.
Route: The parade begins on Strand at 20th Street, proceeds west on Strand to 25th Street, travels south on 25th to Ship’s Mechanic Row, then proceeds east along Ship’s Mechanic Row to 20th Street, and north along 20th to Strand.
Ben E Keith Parade, 4 p.m.
This parade circles the Entertainment District during the second Saturday of celebrations for Mardi Gras! Galveston, 2024.
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, and north along 20th Street to Strand Street.
Jumpin’ Jays Bumpin’ Bus Parade with Grand Marshal Edgar Medina, 5 p.m.
“So Fly It’ll Make You Wanna Die!” is the theme of this party parade, presented by Carnes Funeral Home, which features more than 20 decked-out party buses rolling through the Entertainment District, playing music and tossing beads. The iconic Dancing Queen, Dancing King and Lemonade Bus have become staples of all Galveston parades.
Route: The parade begins on Strand Street at 20th Street, proceeds west on Strand 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 p.m.
Mardi Gras Galveston’s largest parade features elaborate floats, marching bands, bead throwing and more.
Route: Beginning on Seawall Boulevard, the Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade will head west toward 25th Street, travel north down 25th and enter the Entertainment District at 25th and Mechanic, then travel down the Strand.
Sunday Family Gras! Festivities
This family celebration in the Strand district is sponsored by Moody National Bank, so there’s no admission. Donations will benefit the Sunshine Kids and Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Shriners Children’s Texas & Sunshine Kids Parade, noon
Hundreds of Sunshine Kids and Shriners children, along with their families, throw beads off a balcony on the Strand. They will also kick off their parade at noon with beads and candy.
Route: Begins at Santa Fe Place and loops twice around Strand/Mechanic.
Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade, 1:30 p.m.
The Humane Society initiated the parade 25 years ago to involve locals and their pets in festivities. The parade, led by the “Elite Pet Owner” awarded at the annual Paws Gala, remains a crowd favorite. Mary Cooper won the title this year. The krewe also expanded the Cat’s Eye View Balcony Party in 2020.
Route: The parade begins on Strand Street at 20th Street, proceeds west on Strand to 25th Street, travels south on 25th to Ship’s Mechanic Row, then proceeds east along Ship’s Mechanic Row to 20th Street, and north along 20th Street to Strand.
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, then 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
Mystic Krewe of Aquarius, 6:30 p.m.
The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius presents its grand finale Fat Tuesday parade downtown, featuring marching bands, dance teams and dozens of lighted floats, marking the final hours of Mardi Gras.
Route: The parade begins at 28th and Market streets, goes east to 25th Street (Rosenberg), turns right to Postoffice Street, turns left and proceeds to 19th Street, turns left to Strand, then turns left and proceeds to 25th.