KREWE OF AQUARIUS

Krewe Mailing Address:

1311 Winnie

Galveston, TX 77550

Contacts:

Johnny Lidstone, Krewe Captain

Phone: 409-789-4101

Email: johnnylidstone@yahoo.com

Ron Dyda, Vice President

Phone: 409-739-0575

Website:

http://www.krewe-of-aquarius.com

History:

The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius was organized in March of 1985 to celebrate the revival of Mardi Gras festivities on Galveston Island. It is the second oldest Mardi Gras Social Organization since its revival in 1985. When the City of Galveston decided to extend the annual Mardi Gras celebration to two weeks, the krewe joined into the Mardi Gras revelry by presenting the Mardi Gras Kickoff Parade.

Participating Parades:

First Saturday at 12:00 PM and Fat Tuesday at 6:30 PM

KREWE BABALU

Address:
P.O. Box 8142
Galveston, TX 77553

Contacts:

Gladden Walters, Ambassador

Phone: 281-703-3331

Email: gladdenwalters@gmail.com

Jared Faust, Parade Captain

Phone: 281-910-1840

Website:

http://www.krewebabalu.com

History:

The Krewe Babalu, a Texas non-profit corporation, was founded in 1995. The purpose of the organization is to promote Mardi Gras festivities on Galveston Island and civic and social activities within the organization and the City of Galveston. The group has rapidly expanded to include members from not only the local area, but also from all around the state. The Krewe’s motto is “Amigos Para Siempre,” (Friends Forever) symbolizing the members’ commitment to one another beyond the Mardi Gras festivities.

Participating Parades:

Second Friday at 7:30 PM

KREWE OF BARKUS AND MEOUX

Address:

6814 Broadway
Galveston, TX 77554

Contacts:

Josh Henderson, Krewe Contact

Phone: 409-740-1919

Email: info@galvestonhumane.org

History:

The Galveston Island Humane Society began the Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade in 1998 as a way to involve the community in the spirit of Mardi Gras and feature their family pets. Our parade continues as a fundraiser benefitting the homeless pets of our shelter and is a much anticipated event for Mardi Gras participants and spectators.

The 23rd annual Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade is sponsored by the Galveston Island Humane Society.

Participating Parades:

Second Sunday at 1:30 PM

KREWE d’ESPRIT ROSAIRE

Holy Family Parish
409-762-9646

Krewe Mailing Address:

1505 Colorado Street, LaMarque, TX 77568

Contacts:

Cheryl Lynch, President

Email: cslynch@utmb.edu

Phone: 409-392-4962

Valerie Clouser McHenry

Phone: 713-494-9746

Email: valmac2001@aol.com

About the Krewe:

Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire is the only Black Catholic Krewe located on the island. Their annual Mardi Gras Pageant was started by Rev. Father Louis Saparito and the tradition continues today with Holy Family Parish. Nine years ago they added a Youth Pageant and a Parade. The Parade features many high stepping Marching Bands from Houston and surrounding area along with Drill Teams, ROTC groups, the Krewe Royalty, Committee Members, Church Organizations and many of the church members. It is a very family oriented parade. To be a member of the Krewe d Esprit Rosaire you simply have to express interest to the president and pay dues, however you can purchase a table at the annual Mardi Gras Ball and participate in the parade by contacting the parade captain Valerie Clouser McHenry. The Krewe is currently made up of members of Holy Rosary Catholic Church of Holy Family Parish as well as other Christian friends. The Royalty for the Pageant and Parade is determined by a fund raising contest. The contestant that raises the most money will become the Queen. The contest is open to anyone interested in participating.

Participating Parades:

Second Saturday at 11:00 AM

THE FIREFIGHTERS CHILDREN’S PARADE KREWE

Contact:

Stacy Wisner or Candace Varela

Email: fdchildrensparade@gmail.com

Website:

www.childrensparade.org

History:

In 2005 the Galveston Firefighters stepped forward to “Save the Children’s Parade” by assuming the role of parade coordinator. The Firefighters felt that since the parades are the main attraction to Mardi Gras, and because the Children’s Parade was the only Mardi Gras activity geared toward children, it was important to keep the tradition alive. The tradition of Firefighters helping children dates back to the beginning of the profession. It is, and will continue to be, the primary focus of firefighters.

Many of the participants were Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops, as well as many school bands and organizations from all over the Galveston-Houston area. Some of our participants from last year came from as far as San Antonio. Not only are there floats in the parade, but also many “parade walkers” who dress to the theme of the parade, pulling wagons and throwing beads. Trophies are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Best Decorated Float, Best Theme Float, and individual medallions for Best Dressed Boy, Best Dressed Girl, and Best Dressed Family.

The costumers and the children’s participation are the best part of this event. To see the children throwing beads and waving to the thousands of parade watchers is truly rewarding. In 2005, Houston’s WB 39 Television Station brought the event to a whole new level of interaction when they brought many costumed characters from their most popular television shows to the parade. WB 39 also helped promote the parade through television commercials, which resulted in a parade attendance of over 20,000 spectators lining the streets along the route.

Parades are expensive to produce, and without the public’s generous donations, this parade could not continue. Sponsor help is needed to assist the Firefighters in the endeavor of coordinating the Children’s Parade. Corporate and Individual sponsor donations are being solicited and all help is greatly appreciated.

Participating Parades:

Second Sunday at 3:00 PM

KREWE OF GAMBRINUS

Krewe Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 17196, Galveston, TX 77552 

Contacts:
Basia Hall, President
Email: info@kreweofgambrinus.org

Shannon Gadberry, Public Relations Director
Phone: (832) 887-8756
Email: sgadberry21@gmail.com

Website:
www.kreweofgambrinus.org

History: The Krewe of Gambrinus, fondly known as the “Krewe of Brew” was formed in 1989 to promote tourism in Galveston Island, Texas. King Gambrinus, the Patron Saint of Brewing, is a nod to our founder Larry Del Papa of Del Papa Distributing Company and Budweiser. The all-volunteer Krewe is active throughout the year with charitable and social events. The “King Gambrinus Lights Up the Night Parade” is the largest family friendly parade that runs along Seawall Blvd from 57th Street to Rosenberg Avenue (25^th Street).  The parade then proceeds North as King Gambrinus Goes to Town, processing through the Mardi Gras Galveston Entertainment district on Ship’s Mechanic Row and The Famous Strand. Gambrinus parades on the first weekend of Galveston Mardi Gras.

The float riders present in creative and festive costumes each year to represent the year’s theme. You will enjoy sparkling themed floats, marching bands, specialty beads, and so much more! Membership information is available by emailing info@kreweofgambrinus.org. Come join in the fun and help us Let the Good Times Roll!

Participating Parades:

First Saturday at 6:00 PM

KREWE OF GREGARIOUS AND ELEEMOSYNARIUS LADIES

Krewe Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 536, Hitchcock, Texas 77536

Email: theexquisiteladies@yahoo.com

Contacts:

Fre’ire Moore Chairperson, Treasure

713-542-360

fsm6@verizon.net

Karen Werdlow President

409-761-0661

karenwerdlow@yahoo.com

Website:

http://theexquisiteladies.wix.com/theexquisiteladies

History:

The Exquisite Ladies Social and charitable Club is a non-profit organization consisting of twelve ladies, established in the year of 2008, with a club motto of “As We Achieve our Goals in Life, Help Someone Else.”

The Krewe of Gregarious and Eleemosynarius Ladies was established in 2013, and consists of only members of the club. The Exquisite Ladies Social and Charitable Club will present their first annual Mardi Gras Ball on February 8, 2014, for the purpose of socializing as a group with family, friends and others, and to raise funds to support charitable organizations local community activities and five academic scholarships, as good humanitarians and philanthropists. The Exquisite Ladies and their Royal Court will participate in the 2014 Galveston County celebrations. The Royal Court will consist of Ms. Exquisite Lady of 2014, a Mardi Gras Queen, Princess, Duchess, countess, and Baroness. Crowning and placement will be determined by a fund raising contest and votes. To purchase tickets, tables or to donate, please contact the Exquisite Ladies, by email, phone, or letter.

KREWE DE ISLE OF MISFITS

Krewe Address:

2221 Market St, Galveston, TX 77550

Contacts:

Becky Major, President

Email: info@misfitsgtx.com

Website:

https://www.misfitsgtx.com/

About the Krewe:

Founded by Becky Major and Michael Mandina in 2018, this Krewe dazzles the Mardi Gras crowd with their out-of-the-box creativity. Their float is a reconstructed bus that takes on a new life for every Mardi Gras. Each year excitement bubbles to see what new, kooky theme the Misfits will do. They’ve paraded Galveston with themes such as: NASA, Post-Apocalyptic, and Circus. For each new theme, this group of artists goes full out with exquisitely-crafted, individual costumes and new decorations for their float. In addition to Mardi Gras, this Krewe hosts their annual Misfits Ball and participates in other parades on the island. They were the first recipient of the Newe Krewe Award in 2024.

Participating Parades:

Multiple

KREWE DU LAC

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 48
Kemah, TX 77565

Contacts:
Lonne & Jan Nolan
Email: lonnenolan2@aol.com

Email: jduckmotr@aol.com

Phone: 713-254-4170

Website:

https://www.krewedulackemah.com/

History:

Krewe du Lac was formed in 2000. In 2002 we were named the official Krewe of Kemah. For many years this group of merrymakers had individually made the pilgrimage to Galveston. Now we travel together to the island. Although the Krewe is primarily based in Kemah, members hail from all parts of Clear Lake, Greater Galveston Bay and beyond. Krewe du Lac rolls in numerous Galveston Seawall and Strand Parades and presents the Krewe du Lac Kemah Parade and our annual Royal Ball.  On Fat Tuesday Krewe du Lac is found rolling in Aquarius’ All Krewe Parade.The mission of Krewe du Lac is to promote the cultural, educational and traditional customs of Mardi Gras. The Krewe sponsors schools efforts with their celebrations, organizes the Kemah Christmas Toy Drive/Pub Crawl and provides fundraising opportunities to non-profit organizations. 2015 marks the 15th anniversary as one of the premier Krewes of Galveston county. With Krewe du Lac there are no strangers, only friends we have yet to meet!

Participating Parades:

Multiple

KNIGHTS OF MOMUS

Address:
P.O. Box 2285, Galveston, TX 77553

Phone: 409-741-8801

Email: knightsofmomus@gmail.com

Website: www.knightsofmomus.com

History: The Krewe of the Knights of Momus, Galveston’s oldest krewe, was founded in 1871 and actively participated in the Galveston Mardi Gras until 1941 when World War II interrupted the celebration. The all-male Krewe of the Knights of Momus was revived to celebrate the opening of the restored Tremont House hotel in 1985. The krewe is named after Momus, the god of merriment. The Knights of Momus will present the most spectacular of all Galveston Mardi Gras parades, The Momus Grand Nights Parade. This illuminated parade will feature colossal floats, dozens of marching bands, the Philadelphia Mummers and thousands of coveted beads and doubloons.

Participating Parades:

Second Saturday at 6:00 PM

KREWE OF MUNCHKINS

Contacts:

Johnny Listowski, Co-Chair
2819 Palm Circle West, Galveston, Texas 77551
FAX: 409-744-5697
Home: 409-744-3307

Email: mlistowski@aol.com

History:

This Mardi Gras children’s krewe was formed by Father Tim Bucek of St. Patrick’s Church. It began with ten floats and has continued to grow. 2004 was the grand finale of the Krewe of Munchkins Parade.

Da Krewe du Roux

Krewe Mailing Address:
PO Box 1831
Deer Park, TX 77536

Founders
Danielle Guidry, Cindy Anderson, Daniel Guidry
Email: dakreweduroux@gmail.com

Website:
www.dakreweduroux.org

History:
Da Krewe du Roux was founded in 2017, to bring the original spirit, festivities, and traditions of Mardi Gras to the city of Galveston. Da Krewe du Roux’s original 40 members were the first Krewe to hold a traditional, old-school, rural Louisiana Mardi Gras Chicken Run on the Island. The first annual Courir de Mardi Gras was held at Tin Cup’s Caddy Shack on Stewart Road and all families and children were invited to learn about this spectacular event. A first for the Island’s celebrations and many more to come! The Mardi Gras Chicken Run is a tradition that’s over 250 years old and is held in predominantly Cajun (Acadian) communities in Central and Southern Louisiana. Begun as a last shout before the Lenten season, in which Catholic leaders and rules were mocked and indiscretions flaunted, it soon became a celebration feeding the community. These celebrations have grown in each area as a celebration of each community’s best, providing opportunity for those of all cultures to come together. The Chicken Run begins with an overview of the rural Mardi Gras tradition in French and English. Following the Krewe’s performance, attendees will participate in a traditional chicken run, typically organized by age group. The one who gets the chicken will win a special prize.

“This is the poor man’s Mardi Gras,” said Danielle Guidry, co-founder of the Krewe and 2018’s Queen du Roux. “We’ll visit, beg, borrow, sing, dance, do whatever the tradition says to get what we need for a big gumbo. You can always spot us in ragged, colorful Mardi Gras costumes and “fringed material” as we represent our true rural Louisiana traditions.”

Da Krewe du Roux also hosts Da Island Dirty Birdie Charity Classic Golf Tournament at Moody Gardens in the fall. “This is not your typical golf tournament” says Daniel Guidry, co-founder of the Krewe and 2018’s King du Roux. The inaugural event in 2018 was a huge success and the Krewe looks forward to hosting this event for many years to come. Da Krewe du Roux holds their annual formal attire Mardi Gras ball at the kickoff of carnival season. “We have an original New Orleans tradition of a Second Line at our ball. We dance and parade with decorated umbrellas and invite all of our guests to experience it. A traditional Brass Band leads us through the crowds and we celebrate the coronation of our Royal Court while we dance and show-off” says Cindy Anderson, co-founder of the Krewe and 2018’s Royal Court Duchess du Roux.

Da Krewe du Roux is a non-profit organization benefiting El Mina Shriners of Galveston, Ronald McDonald House, and The American Heart Association.  Representing Gulf Coast Counties. In order to withstand the Louisiana traditions, Da Krewe du Roux requires a certain percentage of their members to have Louisiana Roots and be approved by their mascot Gumbeaux the Chicken. They also have a children’s Mardi Gras Krewe for their children and grandchildren called Da Krewe du Roux Too (because our children love our Mardi Gras traditions too) !

Participating Parades:

Multiple

KREWE OF SAINTS

Contacts:

Phone: 806-236-0715

Email: president@kreweofsaints.org

Website:

http://www.kreweofsaints.org

History:

Formed in 2012, Krewe of Saints is dedicated to over-the-top grandeur, preserving tradition & engaging in socially responsible causes. This charitable organization plans a wide range of yearly activities.

Participating Parades:

Multiple

KREWE OF THALASAR

Address:
P. O. Box 1202, Galveston, Texas 77553

Contacts:

Matthew Sweatt, President
Phone: 409-658-6364
Krewe Email: kreweofthalasar@gmail.com

History:

Tha-las-ir (adj.) – of or relating to the deep seas or the depths of the sea.

Galveston’s third oldest and ONLY nautical Mardi Gras Krewe, The Krewe of Thalasar, was founded in 1986 by a group of Texas A&M at Galveston Former Students. It has since grown into a nearly 100 member Krewe comprised of both Aggie Former Students and non-Aggies alike. The Krewe of Thalasar is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation whose primary mission is celebrating and preserving the history of Mardi Gras! Galveston. In addition, the Krewe supports several marine and maritime related organizations and encourages environmental awareness through volunteer hours, as well as, monetary and supply donations. Throughout the year, The Krewe of Thalasar has multiple recreational and social activities in the Galveston-Houston area culminating in the annual Mardi Gras Ball officially kicking off the Mardi Gras season.

You can join in on the fun and party with us. Purchase tickets HERE:

TUTU LIVE KREWE

Address:
3002 Avenue O 1/2
Galveston, TX 77550

Contacts:

Donna Swartz, President

Phone:(409) 692-3735

Email: tutulivekrewe@gmail.com

Angela Brown, Parade Captain

Phone: (713) 295-9005

Website:

tutulivekrewe.com

History:

The Tutu Live Krewe was founded in 2016 as Galveston’s first all-female adult marching Krewe, and was officially formed as a federally recognized 501c3 in 2018. The Krewe mission is to offer mature women a unique opportunity to join a sisterhood of enthusiastic, inspiring community members, who are accepting of all members, regardless of size, race, religion, sexual preference, or dance ability. We serve to strengthen each other, embrace Mardi Gras culture, and promote community awareness throughout the year. Confidence, happiness, humor, and kindness represent the Krewe’s core values.

Participating Parades:

Multiple

Z KREWE

Krewe Mailing Address:

PO Box 58134
Nassau Bay, TX 77258

Contacts:

Christi Dees, President

Steve Baldwin Parade Captain

Email: zkrewe@gmail.com

Website:

http://www.zkrewe.net/

History:

Z Krewe began in 1994 as a group of 10 zany friends who wanted a uniquely different Mardi Gras Galveston organization. Today, Z Krewe has grown to 150 members and is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to perpetuating the spirit of Mardi Gras all year long. During Mardi Gras, Z Krewe hosts Z best balcony parties, with tickets available to the public. Our inclusive balcony parties known as Zestivals feature one of the largest balconies on The Strand as well as open bars, clean restrooms and food all day. On the second Saturday, Z Krewe hits the streets in the Z Krewe Procession, a parade of zaniest proportions where members are known for throwing Z best beads and throws. Throughout the year, there are additional events for members and guests, plus Z Krewe is proud to have contributed thousands of volunteer hours and financial support to many local charities and organizations.

Participating Parades:

Second Saturday at 1:00 PM