Galveston Texas Mardi Gras
Galveston’s 2009 Mardi Gras will be unlike any the city has seen in the last 100 years. You have to go back to 1900 to find the city is such dire straits due to a direct hit from a hurricane. But as a wise man once said, “You can’t let a little thing like that stop a damn party!”
So 2009 will be the 98th Mardi Gras celebration in Galveston, a tradition that started in 1867. There were some difficult times in the past when the parades were discontinued, such as during World Wars, but the parades and balls will be alive and well this year.
Galveston Island is absolutely hosting Mardi Gras this year, according to RoShelle Gaskins, Public Relations Manager at the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“Ike cannot keep down krewe members strongly dedicated to a 98-year tradition,” Ms. Gaskins said. “Mardi Gras is a long-standing tradition not to be lost. This is a great venue for friends and family to get out and have some fun and see that Galveston is coming along strong. Mardi Gras krewes really pulled together for Mardi Gras in 2009, proving it is an important tradition to continue. This is also a great opportunity for residents to put aside recovery worries and enjoy the revelry of Mardi Gras.”
Galveston, following in the footsteps of New Orleans after Katrina, plans for Mardi Gras to be as normal as possible. Ms. Gaskins said that this year’s event will have, “…more than eleven parades and 50 galas, parties, pageants and events to choose from. Mardi Gras offers something for every budget and interest. Costume contests, pageants, and great entertainment abound.”
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The historic Strand District was hard hit by Ike, but is recovering. “Some shops along The Strand will still be in the remodeling stages of recovery and not open for business. However, there will be plenty to do including the usual Seawall parades and carnival. Downtown will host more parades, bead throwing and entertainment,” according to Ms. Gaskin.
Hurricanes will come, the best laid plans of man notwithstanding. The storms may wash away buildings, towns and even some dreams. But the fury of nature shall never wash away the indomitable spirit of the Gulf coast peoples. Now let’s all get down to Galveston for a “We’re Still Here!” Mardi Gras.