Mardi Gras Galveston 2010

The Guide to Galveston, presents Mardi Gras! Galveston 2010. Welcome to Texas Explorer magazine's Mardi Gras webpage, this page includes a calendar of events and other information about one of Galveston's most popular annual Festivals.

Mardi Gras, the traditional festival of feasting and merrymaking that precedes the season of Lent, has been publicly observed on Galveston Island as early as 1867 and later revived in 1985 by Galveston-born preservationist and developer George P. Mitchell.

This year's celebration marks the 24th consecutive year of Mardi Gras! Galveston since its 1985 revival.

Now coordinated by the Galveston Park Board of Trustees in conjunction with 18 participating Krewes, the success of Mardi Gras! Galveston continues to grow as hundreds of thousands of revelers participate in Texas' largest Mardi Gras celebration.

 

THE ORIGIN OF MARDI GRAS
 
The date of Mardi Gras began on the date of Easter. The celebration takes place at the end of a long carnival season beginning January 6, or "Twelfth Night," and is celebrated in many Roman Catholic communities around the world-most notably in New Orleans and in Rio de Janeiro.

Revelers eat, drink, carouse and make merry during Mardi Gras, attempting to satiate the desires of the flesh prior to the abstinence observed during the Lenten season. Although Mardi Gras is a Christian tradition, its origins lie in the ancient Roman custom of merrymaking before a period of fasting.
 
 

2010 Mardi Gras Galveston 24th Anniversary

This is the 2010 Mardi Gras Galveston tentative schedule, changes to dates and times could happen at anytime, please contact the official Mardi Gras website for details, www.MardiGrasGalveston.com
 

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Z Krewe 16th Annual Mardi Gras Ball – 7:00pm – 1:00am. King Zanie XVI, John Pfeiffer-Cobb and Queen Zanie XVI Evelyn Shem will be crowned by King Zanie XV Bill Pye and Queen Zanie XV May Carol Lieblong on Saturday evening at 7:00 at the Strand Street Theatre as they lead the Krewe in a celebration of life “Under the Sea.” The coronation ceremony is followed by the coronation ball in the Davidson Ballroom of the Tremont Hotel. Black-tie optional. Tickets: $130. Info: Carrol Pfeiffer-Cobb at 409-771-3584 or carrollcobb@msn.com.

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Saturday, January 9, 2010

Mystic Krewe du Carnaval Royal Ball - South Shore Harbour Resort and Convention Center in League City, Tx. Our theme this year is “Hooray for Hollywood. Non-members are invited to the ball. Tickets: $75 per person; includes dinner, a show and dancing till midnight!

 

 
 

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Krewe of Gambrinus Den Party – 2:00pm – 5:00pm. Come preview the parade floats!!! Food, drink, specialty beads and more! Krewe members, sponsors and invited guests. Krewe float barn, 44th and Winnie in Galveston.

 
 
 

Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Mardi Gras Ball and Silver Anniversary Pageant – 7:00pm – 1:00am. “Silver Anniversary Memories” will be the theme as the Krewe steps back in time for an evening of Mardi Gras nostalgia at the “Grand Ballroom of the Galveston Island Convention Center. The evening begins at 7pm with happy hour, and the pomp and circumstance begins at 8pm with a parade of costumes and a program honoring past royalty.

The Tremont House presents: 26 Years of Celebration through Invitations and Doubloons – 6:00pm to 9:00pm. See The Tremont House’s collection of Mardi Gras Ball invitations dating back to the mid-1980’s when the first ball was held in conjunction with the opening of the hotel and the revival of Mardi Gras in Galveston.

 

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Mardi Gras New Orleans-Style Brunch at Hotel Galvez – 11:00am to 2:00pm January 24th, February 7th , and February 14th. Sunday Brunch at the Hotel Galvez will take on a New Orleans flair during the Galveston Mardi Gras season complete with Mardi Gras beads for all guests. Brunch will feature various New Orleans cuisine favorites as well as the popular brunch items including carved prime rib, assorted seafood, made to order omelets & pasta bar, an incredible array of desserts and complimentary champagne and mimosas. Info: 409-765-7721

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Le Krewe Du Lac Royal Ball – 6:30 to 11 p.m. Join Krewe du Lac as they celebrate The Royal Ball aboard the FantaSea. Formal event (black tie optional or Mardi Gras costume attire only). Includes complimentary Cajun buffet dinner, beer, wine and champagne. Info: Annabelle Ruch at 832-771-7661 or akruch@aol.com.

Krewe Babalu 15th Annual Mardi Gras Ball – 7:00pm. Live music, dancing, dinner, open bar, pictures, and just a good time with good people. Roof Garden, 22nd and Strand. Black tie optional or dress in the “Roaring Twenties” theme. Tickets: $135. Info: Gladden Walters at 281-703-3331 or gladdenwalters@gmail.com.

Krewe of Gambrinus Coronation Ball - 8:00pm to 1:00am. Presentation of the King and Queen and their Royal Court. Live music, open bar, champagne breakfast and more. Black tie or festive costume. Krewe members, sponsors and invited guests. Moody Gardens Hotel Grand Ballroom, 1 Hope Blvd. in Galveston.

 

Friday, February 5, 2010

Krewe Babalu Annual Den Party – 6:00pm. Annual den party where you can enjoy a cash bar, food, and a preview look at our 2010 floats. Take pictures on the floats and listen to Mardi Gras music. It’s a blast! Jack's Tavern, 2214 Postoffice. Info: Gladden Walters at 281-703-3331 or gladdenwalters@gmail.com.

Krewe of Aquarius Barn Bash 2010 – 7:00pm – 11:00pm. The biggest party of them all will ring in the 2010 Mardi Gras with dancing, a huge bead toss, and the largest bead booth ever! Plenty of food and beer! Tickets: $20, must be 21. Info: www.KreweOfAquarius.org.

54th Annual Treasure Ball Royal Pageant – 7:30pm. The Treasure Ball Association presents The 54th Anniversary Celebration “A Salute To The Great American Vacation”, unveiling more than 70 Mardi Gras capes and costumes, benefiting O’Connell College Preparatory School. Moody Gardens Expo C, One Hope Blvd. Spectator Night Thursday, tickets $10.00 per person. Pageant and Ball Friday, dinner and dance included, tickets $100 per couple or $50 per person. Tickets are available at the door. Info: O’Connell School at 409-765-5534 or Charlyn Vaiani at 409-762-4401.

Stars on the Brazos Krewe Balcony Party – 5:00pm ‘til “the push”. Roof Garden, 2214 Strand on the balcony! Plenty of room for bead throwing. Tickets $125 per person for the weekend, with lunch, dinner, beer and set-ups provided. Beads sold at discounted prices. Best location for throwing beads on the Strand! Best music, best party! Must be 21. Info: www.sobkrewe.com or contact David Howarth at 979-480-0464

  

 
 

 

Mystic Krewe of Aquarius “Barn Bash 2010” – 7:00 – 11:00pm. The biggest party of them all, the Aquarius “Barn Bash” will ring in the 2010 Mardi Gras with dancing, a huge bead toss, and guests will be treated to the largest bead booth ever. Plenty of food and beer! Tickets: $20, 21 and over. www.KreweOfAquarius.org.

Krewe of Thalasar Mardi Gras Ball – 8:00pm – midnight. Garten Verein, 2704 Avenue O. Tickets $65 per guest, includes open bar, food and live entertainment by ColdShot! Attire: ‘80s Prom!
Info: Laurie Sweatt, 409-256-4606 or steel1bucfan@yahoo.com.
 


 
 

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Mystic Krewe of Aquarius 25th Anniversary Parade – 12:00 noon. Famous Seawall Blvd. will once again be graced by the Mardi Gras pageantry of Aquarius with their 80-unit parade titled “Silver Anniversary Memories”, commemorating their 25th birthday. The big parade will feature dozens of floats depicting themes of the last 25 years, as well as 20 marching bands from high schools across the Gulf Coast region. Proudly leading the parade will be King and Queen XXV, Ronald Blasé and Stephanie Blasé. Honored to also lead the way will be Aquarius founding members Merlin Lidstone and Johnny Lidstone, 14 float captains and 175 costumed Krewe members. For the most and best beads at Mardi Gras, do not miss this parade.

Galveston County Firefighter’s Association Fire Truck Parade – 3:00pm. A huge hit since its inception, the Fire Truck Parade looks to be even bigger this year! Parade begins at 14th Street and Seawall and heads west on Seawall to 61st Street.

Krewe of Gambrinus “Cheers to our Bud’s – The Del Papa Family” Parade - 6:00pm, King Gambrinus throws a party for 200,000 of his closest friends with over 650,000 throws and a fantastic fireworks display. Open and free to the public! Parade runs along Seawall Blvd. from 23rd St. to Central City Blvd. (63rd St.) in Galveston. Info: kuperfamily@yahoo.com or www.kreweofgambrinus.org.

10th Annual Mardi Gras Beach Run - 8:30 to 11:00am. 5K Run/Walk and 1K Kids Run. Food, music and much more! Activities for children under 12 include games, crafts and face painting. Benefits the Galveston Family YMCA and UTMB Physical Therapy Class of 2010. Stewart Beach Pavilion, 4th and Seawall Blvd. Early registration deadline: January 13th. Info: 409-763-4607, or www.mardigrasbeachrun.com.

Stars on the Brazos Krewe Balcony Party – 12:00 noon ‘til “the push”. Roof Garden, 2214 Strand on the balcony! Plenty of room for bead throwing. Tickets $125 per person for the weekend, with lunch, dinner, beer and set-ups provided. Beads sold at discounted prices. Best location for throwing beads on the Strand! Best music, best party! Must be 21. Info: www.sobkrewe.com or contact David Howarth at 979-480-0464 or dhowarthtx@comcast.net.
 
Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Mardi Gras Ball – 8:00pm to 1:00am. Come and join Krewe d’ Esprit Rosaire as they celebrate, with a flair of India, an “Arabian Night”. There will be food, cash bar, dancing, and fun. Music will be provided by 2 local DJ’s: Redd Wave and KO. You can wear a costume of Arabian nature or India culture, or the attire is semi formal and no jeans allowed. There will be picture taking, face painting, second line dancing, silent auction, and a small pageant to show off our Krewe Royalty. Moody Gardens in Expo Hall C. Tickets: $25 or $200 for table of 10. Info: Cheryl Randle at 409-392-4962
 
 

Sunday, February 7, 2010

24th Annual Mardi Gras Ball for Special People - Moody Gardens will host a Mardi Gras Ball for Special People at Moody Gardens Convention Center, Expo Hall A & B. Admission is free for people with disabilities, their immediate family and/or caregivers with RSVP. You'll enjoy Food & Refreshments, Mardi Gras Beads, Clowns, Face Painters, Dance Contest, Costume Contest, Costumed Characters and more! Please contact volunteers@moodygardens.com or call 409-683-4108 to find out how you can RSVP. Please Note: Group Home Attendees must wear ID with Name and Organization.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Krewe Babalu 5th Annual “All Krewe Parade” – 8:00 pm Start time. Begins at 26th and Santa Fe Place. Right on 25th Street, Left on Mechanic to 21st Street. Left on 21st Street to Strand. Left on Strand to 25th Street. 25th Street to Santa Fe Place. Parade participation open to all Krewes, businesses, civic and fraternal entities. Info: Gladden Walters at 281-703-3331 or gladdenwalters@gmail.com.

Quaker City String Band Performance Outside The Tremont House – 5:00pm. Join The Tremont House for one of the most popular performances during Mardi Gras! Galveston – the Quaker City String Band known for their colorful costumes and lively music. The Quaker City String Band has performed in the Philadelphia Mummer’s Parade since 1931 and has been a Mardi Gras! Galveston tradition since its revival in 1985. Info: 409-763-0300 or tremonthouse@wyndham.com.

Krewe Babalu Balcony Party – 5:00pm – 12:00am. Come throw beads and watch the parade from one of the best balconies in town! On the corner of 23rd and Strand, our balcony looks over the square and The Strand. Music, food and drinks. Don’t miss it! Info: Gladden Walters at 281-703-3331.

Z Krewe Zestival #1 – 6:00pm to midnight. Come to “Z Best Balcony Party” overlooking the Historic Strand Entertainment District with live music, drinks, and “Z Best Beads” at Mardi Gras! Ticket prices include free beer (6-8 pm or while it lasts), drink tickets, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and live music from “Elvis” Vince King! Trumpets building, 2215 Strand. Tickets: $75 per person or $125 per couple, available at www.zkrewe.net.

Dr. Michael White at The Tremont House – 7:00pm to 10:00pm. New Orleans native and renowned jazz clarinetist Dr. Michael White and his quartet will perform at The Tremont House as part of Mardi Gras! Galveston 2010. Since 2006, White and his quartet have performed at The Tremont House during the Mardi Gras Festivities in Galveston and The Tremont House Ball. As part of the evening, Tremont Café will offer Mardi Gras inspired menu items. Free admission. Info: 409-763-0300 or tremonthouse@wyndham.com.

Krewe Maximilian Bead Party - 7:00pm. The Friday Night Bead Party is open only to Krewe Members and their guests. The party provides live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails with bead throwing from the balcony at the Roof Garden. Info: Thomas Irwin at kingrex@kreweofmax.com.

Krewe of Who? Mardi Gras Ball – 7:00pm – midnight. Fun, theme-based event (our theme this year is Gypsies, Tramps, & Thieves). The party is at the Galveston Hilton Island Resort, 5400 Seawall Blvd. Dress to the theme or whatever you are in the mood for. Come ready to dance and party the night away to the music of the Grateful Geezers. Bring your Mardi Gras decorated umbrella for the second line processional lead by our King and Queen. Admission to the ball includes the buffet dinner, cash bar, a live band (Grateful Geezers), our traditional Gold Circle bead throw, and second line processional. The public is welcome, but space is limited for this event and members and their guests get priority. We are having a membership drive, so visit our website for more info and contact us at party@kreweofwho.com. For more information on our Krewe, visit our website at www.kreweofwho.com. More details on our Mardi Gras Ball and our other events can be found on our Events page, http://www.kreweofwho.com/events.htm.

14th Annual San Luis Salute – 7:00pm. Fourteenth Annual San Luis Salute black tie ball “Blue Moon, a Journey to the Sea of Tranquility”. Guests will enjoy an elegant culinary inspired multi-course seated dinner with a generously hosted bar, and will party the night away with Party on the Moon, dubbed “the best party band in America,” who have even performed at the Inaugural Ball and will perform at Donald Trump’s New Year’s Eve party this year. Honoring UTMB’s Heroes and supporting UTMB’s new surgical tower. Info: Michelle Beckwith or Kim Schultz at 409-744-1500.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Parade - Battle of the Bands begins at 9:00, and the parade begins at 11:00. The parade will start at Kempner Park 27th and Ave N down 27th to Seawall and down the Seawall to 31st and down 31st street to Holy Rosary Catholic Church. There will be an after party with all types of cultural food booths, more bead throwing, music, and fun. This is a family oriented parade with lots of high stepping marching bands from Houston and Galveston with lots of bead, trinkets, and even some food throws. Info: Cheryl Randle 409-392-4962 or csrandle@utmb.edu.

Z Krewe 16th Z Processional – 1:00pm. Z Krewe’s 16th Annual Z Processional will wind its way through the historic streets of downtown Galveston and The Strand area, “Perpetuating the Spirit of Mardi Gras” with bands, beads, and merriment. This year’s theme of “Underwater FantaZy” salutes the enchantment of the sea. This year’s Zanie Processional, led by Big Daddy and Big Momma 16, will make its way to the Trumpet’s balcony where King and Queen Zanie XV and their Royal Court of Zoots and Zaftigs will salute the crowd and party on the Strand. The processional’s route will begin at 25th Street and Mechanic, travel east along Mechanic to 20th Street, and then proceed to the Strand. Z Krewe’s parade of partygoers will continue west on the Strand ending at 25th Street. Info: www.zkrewe.net or call 409-933-4413.

Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade - 6:30 p.m. Mardi Gras! Galveston’s largest parade will feature floats, marching bands, dignitaries, bead throwing and more. Parade starts at 19th and Seawall Boulevard, turns right on 25th Street and continues to Mechanic Street. Right on Mechanic Street to 21st Street, left on 21st to The Strand. Left on Strand and end at the Railroad Museum, public viewing, no charge. Info: 409-741-8801.

Z Krewe Z Street Painting – 6:00am. King Zanie XVI and his Royal Zoots paint the streets green beginning at 6:00 AM. On lookers can watch as the traditional “Z” marks the spot of the annual royalty and revelers’ salute to Royalty during the Processional. Info: John Pfeiffer-Cobb at 409-771-2601 or jrparrot@aol.com.

The San Luis 26th Annual Mardi Gras Costume Contest – 12:00pm. Registration, 1:00 contest begins. Wanted: your most whimsical Mardi Gras designs! Wild and off-the-wall attire will be the norm as the 26th annual San Luis Costume Contest gets underway on Saturday, February 13 at 12pm at The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center. With wacky entries, including a special category for children, celebrity judges, fabulous prizes and festive spectators, the contest is an annual tradition at Mardi Gras! Galveston. The San Luis Hotel Grand Ballroom, 5222 Seawall Blvd. Info: 409-744-1500.

Z Krewe Zestival #2 – 12:00pm to midnight. Come to “Z Best Balcony Party” overlooking the Historic Strand Entertainment District with live music, drinks, and “Z Best Beads” at Mardi Gras! Ticket prices include 4 drink tickets, dinner, snacks all day, and live music from the Pee Wee Bowen Band! Trumpets Building, 2215 Strand. Tickets: $125 per person, available at www.zkrewe.net or 713-991-9949.

Krewe of Gambrinus Gathering – 12:00pm to 12:00am. Party on a Strand Balcony – fun, food, drink, music, and parade viewing. Beads for throwing will be sold. Dargan & Tobyn Building, 23rd and Strand. Tickets are on sale now to Krewe members and their invited guests. After January 23rd, any remaining tickets will be sold to the general public for the price of $135. After January 23rd, contact GambrinusGathering@yahoo.com for ticket availability. Info: www.kreweofgambrinus.org.

Krewe of Who? Loft Party – 2:00pm - midnight. The hottest parties on the Strand are above the street! Join the Krewe of WHO? For our Mardi Gras Loft Party & Bead Throw. Live music by the Zydeco Dots, dancing, dinner, and a cash bar inside. Outside on the balcony, throw beads to the crowd and enjoy the Carnival atmosphere Galveston style. The public is welcome, but space is limited for this event and members and their guests get priority. We are having a membership drive, so visit our website for more info and contact us at party@kreweofwho.com. For more information on our Krewe, visit our website at www.kreweofwho.com. More details on our Mardi Gras Ball and our other events can be found on our Events page, http://www.kreweofwho.com/events.html.

26th Annual Tremont House Mardi Gras Ball - 6:00pm to midnight. Join lion dancers, dragon dancers and revelers as The Tremont House celebrates “A Chinese New Year” at their 26th Annual Mardi Gras Ball and Parade Viewing Party. Extensive Asian buffet, open bar, and first rate entertainment by the Dr. Michael White Jazz Quartet, Eclipse Band and Orchestra, and The Brew. Prime viewing of the Momus Grand Night Parade. Tickets: $350/couple. Attire: Theme costume or black tie. Hosted by the George Mitchell Family. Info/Reservations: 409-763-0300 or mgreservations@wyndham.com.

Krewe of Maximilian Ball – 7:00pm. Location TBD, The KOM Beach Ball is open to Krewe of Maximilian members and their invited guests only. Live entertainment, catered, and open bar. The ball will present the Krewe’s King Rex and Queen for 2010 as well as duchesses from the Knights of Momus. Membership or Additional Info: Thomas Irwin at kingrex@kreweofmax.com.


Sunday, February 14, 2010

12th Annual Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Mardi Gras Parade - 1:00 pm, line-up begins at noon. 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. This parade benefits the daily operations of the Galveston Island Humane Society. $20 advance registration and $25 day of parade. Info and registration: Cynthia McEldowney at 409-744-0102 or cynthiamce@aol.com.

Mardi Gras Children’s Parade - 2:00pm, Firefighters Local 571 hosts a parade dedicated to the families and children of Galveston. The 2010 parade celebrates “A Salute to Hollywood”, with costumed kids and decorated floats. Parade begins at 27th Street and Seawall, and proceeds to 47th Street to the Academy parking lot. Pre-registration for parade participation is required. Info: Charles Olsen at 409-789-1265 or www.childrensparade.org.
 

Krewe of Gambrinus Gathering – 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Bead throwing! Food, beer, soda, music - party on the balcony!!! Beads for throwing will be sold. Krewe members & invited guests. Info: www.kreweofgambrinus.org.


Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Mystic Krewe of Aquarius 16th Annual “Fat Tuesday” Parade 7:30pm – In the final hours of Mardi Gras 2010, Aquarius will present their annual Fat Tuesday Parade in historic Downtown Galveston and the Strand District. The always popular parade will feature entries from several Krewes and 7 marching bands.

Krewe Babalu Fat Tuesday Public Celebration and Blessing of the Season – 7:30pm – 12:00am. The official public celebration party to celebrate the end of Mardi Gras Galveston 2010. All-Krewe event open to the public (21 and older), free of charge. Follows the Fat Tuesday Parade. The evening is capped by the 2010 royalty from each Krewe pronouncing their “blessing of the season”. Hilarious and fun! Jack’s Tavern, 24th and Postoffice Street. Info: Gladden Walters at 281-703-3331

 
 
 

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The information on this webpage was taken from promotional material distributed by Galveston Mardi Gras Visitors and Convention Center. 

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