Galveston loves Mardi Gras, and you can join the fun on February 10-21, 2012. Mardi Gras! Galveston, Texas’ largest celebration (third largest in the nation) celebrates 101 years at the island city with the biggest extravaganza in its history.
The award-winning recording group Hot Chelle Rae will headline performances (10 p.m. on February 11), but you can catch any of 26 concerts on the schedule. Elaborate parades (24 in all), feasts and festivals, 19 parties and five masked balls. Sunday, February 12 will feature special family events. Organizers stress that this is a safe venue despite the fact 300,000 people are expected to attend.
Bring your umbrella and participate in the Funky Uptown Umbrella Parade. Galveston hopes to set a new world record for the largest umbrella dance during this year’s Mardi Gras. The public is also invited to decorate golf carts and drive them in the parade, a new event to involve more people, not just as spectators.
More than three million beads are expected to be thrown this year, so be ready to catch some new strands. If you really want to splurge check out hotel galas and wear your finest green and purple duds at one of these elegant soirees.
Head to Galveston from Austin early in the morning, and you’ll be there before noon—plenty of time to take in a variety of colorful sights and activities. Tickets to shows, parties, and admission are available online now at reduced rates. Check prices at www.mardigrasgalveston.com . A four day pass that takes in both weekends (February 10, 11, 17, 18) is $35. A weekend pass is $18, and a single day ticket goes for $10. Packages are also available for hotel stays and parties.
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