Mardi Gras Galveston 2009

The Guide to Galveston, presents Mardi Gras! Galveston 2009. 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.
 
 

2009 Mardi Gras Galveston 24th Anniversary

This is the 2008 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 24, 2009

Z Krewe 15th Annual Mardi Gras Ball – 6:00pm – 1:00am. Hotel Galvez. Z Krewe will celebrate their 15th Annual Coronation Ball following the Coronation of King and Queen Zanie XV. Come kick off the 2009 Mardi Gras season in style, and experience a taste of “The Sweet Life”. Festivities begin with a champagne reception prior to the coronation. The Royal Coronation will begin at 7:15pm, followed by a decadent dinner buffet at 8:00pm. There will be dancing until 1:00am to live music from “Shockwave” Black-tie optional. Tickets are $130 and include open bar service. Special room rates available at Hotel Galvez for the event. Info: Colleen Miller at 409-771-4210 or www.zkrewe.net.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

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. kuperfamily@yahoo.com , or www.kreweofgambrinus.org.

Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Mardi Gras Ball and Pageant – 8:00pm – midnight. Krewe of Aquarius presents “My Favorite TV Shows” in this spectacular costume event. The 20 members of the Royal Court will stage a colorful pageant in tribute to American television. Dancing follows to the beats of the “Mambo Jazz Kings”. There will be a cash bar, and breakfast will be served at midnight. Black tie/ costume Open to public with ticket. Info: 409-771-8529.

 
 

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Mardi Gras New Orleans Style Brunch at Hotel Galvez – 11:00am – 2:00pm. Sunday Brunch at the Hotel Galvez will take on a New Orleans flair during the month of February complete with Mardi Gras beads for all guests. Brunch will feature various New Orleans cuisine favorites as well as the popular brunch items including prime rib, assorted seafood, made to order omelets, a Bloody Mary station, pasta bar and complimentary champagne and mimosas. Info: 409-765-7721
 
 

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Krewe Babalu 14th Annual Mardi Gras Ball – 7:00pm. Live music, dancing, dinner, open bar, pictures, and just a good time with good people. Hotel Galvez on Seawall Boulevard in Galveston. Early ticket discounts available. Info: Gladden Walters, gwalters111@aol.com.

Mystic Krewe du Carnaval Venetian Masked Ball – 7:00pm – midnight. League City Civic Center on Walker Street in League City. Masked Mardi Gras Ball. Evening gown and tuxedo. Admission: $75 per person. Info: 281-684-9723 or lydiaweldon@comcast.net.
 

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. Info: kuperfamily@yahoo.com or www.kreweofgambrinus.org.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Mardi Gras New Orleans Style Brunch at Hotel Galvez – 11:00am – 2:00pm. Sunday Brunch at the Hotel Galvez will take on a New Orleans flair during the month of February complete with Mardi Gras beads for all guests. Brunch will feature various New Orleans cuisine favorites as well as the popular brunch items including prime rib, assorted seafood, made to order omelets, a Bloody Mary station, pasta bar and complimentary champagne and mimosas. Info: 409-765-7721 or bernardos@wyndham.com.

Friday, February 13, 2009

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! 21 and up. Info: www.sobkrewe.com or contact David Howarth at 979-480-0464
 

Krewe Babalu Annual Den Party – 6:00 - 11:00pm. Float viewing and last preparations for our floats. Music, food, beer and wine, (set-ups for BYOB). Door prizes and raffles. Krewe Babalu float barn, 4801 Avenue E in Galveston. Tickets available. Info: Gladden Walters, gwalters111@aol.com.

Mystic Krewe of Aquarius “Barn Bash” – 7:00pm. Galveston’s largest and favorite party gets the Mardi Gras fever started with the annual “Barn Bash”. The famous party the evening before the kickoff parade will feature the high-intensity sounds of “Bare Necessities”. There will be plenty food and drink and our famous bead toss! Don’t miss our always-popular bead booth! 21 and up. Tickets $20. Info: 409-771-8529 or www.krewe-of-aquarius.org.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Mystic Krewe of Aquarius 21st Annual Mardi Gras Kick-off Parade – 12:00 noon. King Aldan Kahla and his Queen Terri Kahla say “Be my Valentine in 2009” as they lead the 80-unit Aquarius Parade down Seawall Boulevard. Hurricane Ike did not dampen our bead throwing spirit as the big parade rolls down the famous boulevard with colorful Aquarius floats, 185 Krewe members, and 15 marching bands. 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 in its first two years, the Fire Truck Parade looks to be even bigger this year with the addition of the exciting Krewe du Vroom to its parade. Parade begins at 14th Street and Seawall and heads west on Seawall to 61st Street.

Krewe of Gambrinus “Dressed to the 9’s” 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. Parade runs along Seawall Blvd. from 23rd St. to Central City Blvd. (63rd St.) in Galveston. Free to the public! Info: kuperfamily@yahoo.com or www.kreweofgambrinus.org.

  

 
 

 

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! 21 and up. Info: www.sobkrewe.com or contact David Howarth at 979-480-0464 or dhowarthtx@comcast.net.

Z Krewe Zestival #1 – 4:00pm to midnight. Come celebrate Valentine’s Day with the one you love and Z Krewe. Kick off the 2009 Mardi Gras season with a party on Z best balcony. Zestival #1 pass includes access to Trumpets Balcony on the Strand, dinner, 4 drink tickets, security, live band from 7-11pm, storage area for beads, and clean restrooms. Extra drink tickets and beads will be available for purchase. 21 and up only. Tickets are $75 at www.zkrewe.net, or contact Kristie Schoppe at 281-337-4606.

Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Adult Mardi Gras Ball – 8:00pm to 1:00am. “A Red and White Affair” in honor of Valentine’s Day held at Moody Gardens in Exhibit Hall A.Food provided and cash bar. Music provided by DJ Redd Wave and DJ Biggz. Battle of the 2 DJ’s during the night, with one crowned King of the DJ’s. Lots of line dancing, partying, bead throwing, and fun. Tickets are $25.00 each or $200.00 for a table of 10. For more information contact Cheryl Randle 409-392-4962 or email csrandle@utmb.edu.

Krewe of Gambrinus Brew Ha-Ha - 9:00pm- 1:00am. Share parade stories, food, drink, fun and dancin’ immediately following the parade. Members, sponsors, and invited guests. Info: kuperfamily@yahoo.com or www.kreweofgambrinus.org

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Mardi Gras New Orleans Style Brunch at Hotel Galvez – 11:00am – 2:00pm. Sunday Brunch at the Hotel Galvez will take on a New Orleans flair during the month of February complete with Mardi Gras beads for all guests. Brunch will feature various New Orleans cuisine favorites as well as the popular brunch items including prime rib, assorted seafood, made to order omelets, a Bloody Mary station, pasta bar and complimentary champagne and mimosas. Info: 409-765-7721 or bernardos@wyndham.com
 

Friday, February 20, 2009

Krewe du Vroom 3rd Annual Motorcycle Parade – 7:00pm. The first and only All-motorcycle Mardi Gras Krewe in the United States will parade for the third time. Come early to see and hear “VROOM”. Stages at 25th and New Strand. Parade travels south to 25th Street to Mechanic, east on Mechanic to 20th Street, north on 20th Street to Strand, west on Strand to 25th Street, south on 25th Street to Market Street. Information: kreweduvroom@aol.com.

Krewe Babalu 4th 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.

Quaker City String Band Live Performance – 5:00pm. Join the Hotel Galvez for one of the most popular performances during Mardi Gras! Galveston – the Quaker City String Band is 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: 409-765-7721.

Krewe Babalu Balcony Party – 5:00pm – 12:00am. Balcony party at 21st and Strand, overlooking parade routes. Live music, cash bar. Tickets available. Info: Gladden Walters at 281-703-3331.

Z Krewe Zestival #2 – 6:00pm to midnight. End your work week by kicking up your heels and throwing some beads. Zestival #2 pass includes access to Trumpets Balcony on the Strand, dinner, 2 drink tickets, security, live band from 7-11pm, storage area for beads, and clean restrooms. Extra drink tickets and beads will be available for purchase. 21 and up only. Tickets are $50 at www.zkrewe.net, or contact Kristie Schoppe at 281-337-4606.

Live Performance by Dr. Michael White – 7:00pm. Dr. Michael White who was raised in New Orleans is a renowned jazz clarinetist, bandleader, composer and jazz historian. His quartet will bring the classic sounds of New Orleans jazz to the Lobby Bar of the Hotel Galvez. The quartet has enjoyed tremendous popularity for several years as part of the annual Mardi Gras festivities typically held at The Tremont House. In honor of Dr. White’s performance, Bernardo’s Restaurant at the Hotel Galvez will offer a special New Orleans themed dinner featuring gumbo and bread pudding. Info: 409-765-7721.

Krewe Maximilian Bead Party - 7:00pm. The Friday Night Bead Party is open only to Krewe Members and their guests for both the Krewe of Maximilian and Knights of Momus. The party provides live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails with bead throwing from the balcony at the Roof Garden. Members $120 per couple, Non-members $200 per couple. Info: Jude Filippone at 713-270-3318.
 
Krewe of Who? Mardi Gras Ball – Fun, theme-based event (our theme this year is Black & White Masquerade). 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. Bring your Mardi Gras decorated Umbrella for the Second Line processional lead by our King and Queen. Guests are welcome, but space is limited for this event and members get priority. Tickets: $50. We are having a membership drive, so visit our website for more info. www.kreweofwho.com, email party@kreweofwho.com or call Ann Wheeler at 832-287-6488.
 
 

13th Annual San Luis Salute – 7:00pm. Thirteenth Annual San Luis Salute black tie Mardi Gras ball in Galveston will pay a tribute to the Italian Riviera. Guests will enjoy an elegant culinary inspired four course seated dinner with a generously hosted bar, and will party the night away with The Pink Flamingos, featuring the best of rock, R&B, disco, country and contemporary music. Benefits the recovery of The University of Texas Medical Branch’s Research Enterprise in the Aftermath of Hurricane Ike and Celebrates the Research of: Dr. Cristiana Rastellini, Director of Cell Transplant and Transplant Research for UTMB’s Texas Transplant Center. Info: 409-744-1500.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire presents the “Let the Good Times Roll” 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 where there will be 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 15th Z Processional - 1:00pm. Z Krewe’s 15th 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 “La Bella Vita” salutes Italy’s love of life. This year’s Zanie Processional, led by Big Daddy and Big Momma 15, 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, Mummers, marching bands, dignitaries, bead throwing and more. Parade starts at Seawall Boulevard, turns right on 25th Street and continues to Mechanic Street. Right on Mechanic Street to 21st Street, turn left on 21st to The Strand. Left on Strand and end at the Railroad Museum, public viewing, no charge. Info: 409-744-3307.

The San Luis 25th 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 25th annual San Luis Costume Contest gets underway on Saturday, February 21, 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, 53rd & Seawall Blvd. Info: 409-744-1500 or 800-445-0090.

Z Krewe Zestival #3 – 12:00pm to midnight. Don’t miss Z best party! Eat, throw beads, drink, throw beads, dance, throw beads! listen to the band, throw beads! Zestival #3 pass includes access to Trumpets Balcony on the Strand, 2 meals, 4 drink tickets, security, live band from 7-11pm, storage area for beads, and clean restrooms. Zestival #3 also includes a front-row seat to view the world famous Philadelphia Mummers, who will perform on our balcony. Extra drink tickets and beads will be available for purchase. 21 and up only. Tickets are $125 at www.zkrewe.net, or contact Kristie Schoppe at 281-337-4606.

Krewe of Gambrinus Gathering – 12:00pm to 12:00am. Parade viewing and bead throwing! Food, beer, soda, music - party on the balcony!!! Beads will be sold. Krewe members & invited guests. Info: kuperfamily@yahoo.com or www.kreweofgambrinus.org

Krewe of Who? Loft Party – 2:00pm. The hottest parties on the Strand are above the street! Join the Krewe of WHO? for our Mardi Gras Loft Party and Bead Throw. Live music by the Zydeko Dots, dancing, dinner, and a cash bar inside. Outside on the balcony, throw beads to the crowd and enjoy the Carnival atmosphere Galveston style. Tickets: $100. We are having a membership drive, so visit our website and contact us at party@kreweofwho.com, email party@kreweofwho.com, or call Tony Stadelman at 281-844-1523.

24th Annual Tremont House Mardi Gras Ball - 6:00pm to midnight. Held at Hotel Galvez in 2009. The historic Hotel Galvez lobby, restaurant and Terrace Veranda will come alive with live music by three groups - Voices of Africa, The Brew and Dr. Michael White Jazz Quartet. Guests will dine on African and Gulf Coast cuisine and enjoy Mardi Gras fanfare as the hotel presents “An African Adventure.” Ball guests will enjoy a prime view of the Momus Grand Night Parade as it passes by the hotel. $350 per couple. Info and reservations: 409-765-7721 or mgreservations@wyndham.com.

Le Krewe Du Lac Royal Ball – 6:30pm – 10:00pm. Join Krewe du Lac as they celebrate The Royal Ball aboard the largest Star Fleet yacht, The Star Gazer. Formal event (black tie optional or Mardi Gras costume attire only) in the Kemah Yachty Gras Boat Parade. Includes complimentary Cajun buffet dinner, beer, wine and champagne. Cash bar for cocktails. Tickets $125. Purchase through www.starfleetyachts.com Info: Annabelle Ruch at 832-771-7661 or akruch@aol.com.

Krewe of Maximilian Ball – 7:00pm. Location TBD, The party includes Krewe of Maximilian and their invited guests. There will be live entertainment and a buffet. The ball will introduce the Krewe of Maximilian King and Queen and Duchess from the Knights of Momus. Members $190 per couple, Non-members $340 per couple. Info: Jude Filippone at 713-270-3318.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Mystic Krewe of Aquarius 15th Annual “Fat Tuesday” Parade – Aquarius is proud to help the Ike recovery of Downtown and celebrate the final hours of the 2009 Mardi Gras with their annual “Fat Tuesday” Parade at 6:30pm. Many participating Krewes will follow the route through historic Downtown and the Strand District. The lighted parade will feature dozens of floats and numerous marching bands and is a favorite with locals. As always, Aquarius members like to say “We end what we begin”.

Z Krewe Pancake Day Breakfast - Krewe members will carry on a Mardi Gras tradition born in 1445 in Olney, Buckinghamshire, England, and will serve a pancake breakfast to students, parents, faculty, and staff at an area school. Info: www.zkrewe.net.

Krewe Babalu Fat Tuesday Public Celebration and Blessing of the Season – 7:30om – 12:00am. The official public celebration party to celebrate the end of Mardi Gras Galveston 2008. All-Krewe event open to the public (21 and older), free of charge. Follows the Fat Tuesday Parade. The evening is capped by the 2009 royalty from each Krewe pronouncing their “blessing of the season”. Hilarious and fun. Info: Gladden Walters, gwalters111@aol.com.

Friday, April 3, 2009

53rd Annual Treasure Ball Royal Pageant – 7:30pm. The Treasure Ball Association presents 53rd Anniversary Celebration “Treasure Ball Celebrates Galveston”, unveiling more than 100 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.
 
 

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