History

Mardi Gras in Galveston

Mardi Gras anywhere is a scene to experience, but Galveston with its vibrantly colored, dazzling costumes, elaborate parade floats, countless strands of beads tossed to revelers from parades and balconies, to its elegant balls, live music, and street parties, all set against the backdrop of historic Victorian architecture and the Gulf of Mexico makes it unforgettable.

The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Seawall Parade is the first major parade of Galveston’s Mardi Gras season. Ten days before Mardi Gras the parade travels along the Seawall against the backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico, turns up 25th Street, passing stately historic homes, and end with a loop around the Strand Entertainment District. It is the longest of the Galveston parades. Mardi Gras ends with the Fat Tuesday Parade again by the Krewe of Aquarius that travels from West Market to the Strand District.

Parades

Parades are such a vital part of the entire Mardi Gras Season. Whether it be a day, afternoon or night parade, brilliant float colors, flashing lights, marching bands and a whole lot more come together to make the parade a fun and memorable event for everyone. Each Mardi Gras has its own specific theme and the Krewe members who ride the floats reflect that theme. Various themes can be derived from subjects such as literature, history, legends, famous people, mythology, or children’s stories.

The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Mardi Gras Seawall Parade

The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Mardi Gras Seawall Parade is filled with spectacular floats, beads, trinkets, and marching bands. The enthusiastic crowd is entertained by more than forty different elements who are not stingy with the throws. This is also the longest parade route of the Galveston Mardi Gras season.

The Fat Tuesday Parade

Several years after inaugurating the Seawall Parade, the Krewe decided to also end the Carnival season, hence its Fat Tuesday Parade. This locals oriented parade gives the people of Galveston who have been busy during the Mardi Gras Season a chance to participate and observe some of the festivities they may have missed. Hence, We End What We Begin. This parade has floats from the Mystic Krewe of Aquarius, many of the other local Krewes, marching bands, and dancing groups for this final celebration that closes out the Galveston Mardi Gras season.

Community Involvement

In addition to the philosophy of presenting glorious costumes and parades for the Galveston/Houston Community, the Mystic Krewe of Aquarius believes in helping various local charities. The Krewe co-sponsors and participates in the annual Senior Citizens’ Ball held at our float barn. Krewe members also deliver Mardi Gras Souvenir Baskets to the Children’s Wards at John Sealy Hospital and The Shrine Burn Center of Galveston, as many other activities throughout the year.

Fun loving and dedicated to the perpetuation of Mardi Gras, The Krewe of Aquarius is made of a mix of talented individuals who celebrate Mardi Gras year-round.

Krewe Officers

President Johnny Lidstone

Vice President Ron Dyda

Treasurer Betty Dyda

Secretary Fran Gabriel

Board of Directors