Mardi Gras in downtown Beaumont – a perfect fit

Traditions of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, which passed through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th Centuries to the French House of the Bourbons. According to mardigrasneworleans.com, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived at a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans, and named it “Pointe du Mardi Gras.” He also established “Fort Louis de la Louisiane,” which is now Mobile, Alabama, and in 1703, the small settlement celebrated the country’s first Mardi Gras.

Throughout the years, Mardi Gras traditions were added to festivities such as masked balls, parades with floats, beads and the official colors – purple (justice), gold (power) and green (faith).

Mardi Gras celebrations continue to be held in the southern parts of the United States. In 1993, the Golden Triangle joined the celebration as Mardi Gras Southeast Texas organized their inaugural event in Port Arthur.

It was 2019 when organizers found a new home for Mardi Gras Southeast Texas – downtown Beaumont. Tens of thousands enjoyed the festivities, which centers around the Event Centre, in 2020.

After last year’s cancellation was caused by the pandemic, the anticipation is buzzing for the second season that takes place Feb. 24-27 in downtown Beaumont. Massive parades, food, vendors, carnival plus live music performances from the likes of Nelly, Tyler Farr, Zydeco bands and a Selena tribute act, are all a part of Mardi Gras 2022.

The city’s Event Services department has done a tremendous job of breathing life back into downtown with entertainment at the Civic Center, Julie Rogers Theatre, Jefferson Theatre and the Event Centre. With downtown Beaumont hosting more than 400 client events in their venues each year, from the Summer Concert Series to Classic Movie Nights to Jazz+Blues Fest, Beaumont is a perfect fit for Mardi Gras Southeast Texas to be downtown’s cornerstone event.

“The City of Beaumont is proud to partner with Mardi Gras Southeast Texas and many departments are involved in ensuring the event runs smoothly and safely from a city services standpoint,” said Emily Wheeler, director of event services. “We offer extensive event management expertise and assist with many facets of Mardi Gras from overall logistics to marketing and beyond.” 

While Mardi Gras Southeast Texas chooses the musical talent, vendors, attractions and sponsors, the entire Event Services team is involved in set-up, clean-up, and working on the grounds during the festival, coordinating city services, as well as marketing efforts and planning leading up to the event.

“The area around the Event Centre has become the hub of activity in downtown Beaumont,” said Wheeler. “The area is clean, bright, and beautiful, lending itself to be the perfect home base for many events and festivals. City personnel work seven days a week keeping the area clean and maintained, from landscaping to pressure washing, trash pick-up and more.

“Mardi Gras Southeast Texas produces a fantastic festival with many attractions for all to enjoy.”

The Great Lawn at the Event Centre (700 Crockett St.) is the center for Mardi Gras Southeast Texas. Gates open at 5 p.m. on Feb. 24, 6 p.m. on Feb. 25, and noon on Feb. 26-27. Tickets are needed to enter the gated area, which includes concerts and stage activities. Prices are $10 on Thursday and Sunday, and $15 on Friday and Saturday (children 12 and under are free). Organizers encourage patrons to buy in advance to avoid entry lines at mardigrastx.com or area Market Basket stores. A carnival fun pass is also available for $20, online.

Attractions include the world famous Clydesdale horses, Stunt Masters bicycle action stunts, Magic Poodles, exotic bird show, plus snap a photo with white tigers and Oliver, the Watusi longhorn.

Wheeler recommends those to arrive early who want to find a good spot to view the parades and catch beads, all of which start at the Civic Center, then travel down Main Street to Crockett, Bowie, Magnolia, Laurel, Calder and end at Edison Plaza. A detailed list of all parades can be found at mardigrastx.com.

“We are very excited to host Mardi Gras 2022 in Beaumont,” said Mayor Robin Mouton. “We hope everyone will come out and enjoy the festivities. Safety is priority. Please, let’s do what is necessary to keep everyone safe.”