Mardi Gras is a spectacular celebration that lasts from the 12th day after Christmas to the day before Ash Wednesday. It is a purple, green and gold carnival filled with parties, interesting parades and best of all, King Cake! Here are my experiences with Mardi Gras in Galveston.
When is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is considered to be Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, with festivals leading up to it for weeks prior. Even though the day itself is a Louisiana State Holiday, the celebration of Mardi Gras may have actually originated in Mobile, Alabama. French-Canadian explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville celebrated his arrival in what is now Mobile on Fat Tuesday, 1699 and named the location Point du Mardi Gras.
The tradition of parties on Fat Tuesday grew from there, although they were outlawed for a while when they got too rowdy. However, a New Orleans Krewe changed that in the mid-1800s and began the tradition of more family-oriented parties and parades.
Most of the floats will toss “throws” generally beads, small toys or something consistent with the theme of the Krewe such as pirate flags. It’s considered a great honor to receive a throw as they are paid for by the person who threw it to you. Believe me, I shouted THANK YOU every time I caught beads or toys.
We went to three Mardi Gras parades in Galveston, although they had more than 22! Many krewes have a theme and so floats are created to reflect those themes. They had parades for kids, parades for golf carts and even parades for pets. Unfortunately, most of those were part of a festival with paid admission and parking so we didn’t go.
What do the colors of Mardi Gras mean?
The colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold. Purple is for justice, gold is for power, and green is for faith.
Modern parades include floats from businesses, marching bands, cheerleaders and, yes even police.
What is King Cake?
I have to admit, I am addicted to King Cake. My favorite is the variety made by Alesi. It’s basically a lemon brioche, sometimes with other flavors, that has a plastic baby packed with it. You are to put the baby somewhere in the cake before serving it. Whoever finds the baby has to host the next big party.
As you might suspect, lots of foods find themselves renamed during Mardi Gras. You can find Voodoo Potato Chips at the local grocery and King Cake Vodka at Walmart.
Why do you say Laissez Le Bon Temp Rouler?
It’s supposedly a French/Creole saying, but there is some controversy over that. No matter how it came about, people that wish you Laissez are saying, “Let the Good Times Roll“.
I admit to being thrilled by the parades in New Orleans last year. You can read about that here. The parades in Galveston had a lot more community involvement, I think. We were the only out-of-state license plate on the whole street! Nevertheless, a good time was had by all. And I am going to make one of these umbrellas for myself for next year!
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Wow, but that looks like fun. Is that umbrella sporting a flamingo? I think I need one something like that. Thanks for taking me with you to that fun time.
Having had the opportunity to celebrate Mardi Gras one year in Louisiana, near the French Quarter, I can say they do throw good parties. Glad I had the opportunity, but not sure I’d do it again.
Sooooooooooooo, do you live in or near Galveston? Just curious. I worked there for several years.
We are traveling right now, staying in a campground. I didn’t come to the area specifically for Mardi Gras, but still having a great time!
From what I have seen, their parades are more polished. But I am hardly an expert – and I really enjoyed the marching band part of the parades here.
I’ve not been to Mardis Gras in Galveston; I did live in Slidell (near NOLA) and went to Mardis Gras every year. I live in Santa Fe Nm currently.This year I was craving King Cake, so I called Randazzo’s Bakery (they made it so easy) in NOLA and ordered a king size King Cake to share at our guild’s sew day. Many of the members never heard of Mardis gras, while others had either lived in or visited NOLA. There were memories shared of past Mardis Gras fun. The gals devoured the King Cake. Laissez Le Bon Temp Rouler and Happy Mardis gras
What fun! I’ve always wanted to go to a parade and didn’t even realize it extended to communities beyond New Orleans. Galveston looks like a great celebration. Thanks for sharing so many great pictures. One of the patients at the infusion center brings beads and cake to the nurses every year. He chooses some one to pick what kind of cake, and this year, it was my nurse, who chose apple. Sadly, it isn’t for patients. LOL I thought it was nice of him, though. They were all wearing necklaces of the three bead colors.