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Mardi Gras parade route
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. In America, records indicate the first celebration came in 1703. Southeast Texas joined in the festivities February of 1993 when 18 nonprofit organizations came together in Port Arthur for a highly successful event. The celebration was moved to its new home in Beaumont in 2019, and after a sorely missed hiatus during the pandemic, returned to much anticipated and highly-successful festival last year. This year, the good times are expected to be even bigger.
Mardi Gras Southeast Texas returns to Beaumont near the Great Lawn of the Downtown Event Centre on Feb. 16-19 and will include parades, concerts, food, attractions, carnival midway, arts and crafts, and, of course, plenty of beads.
“Downtown Beaumont is where we belong,” said Laura Childress, President of Mardi Gras Southeast Texas. “It has been so well received since moving to Beaumont. Everything needed is there. The city has been amazing and so easy to work with.”
The festivities will officially begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, with the Courir de Mardi Gras Parade, followed by Zydeco music from Lil’ Steven & The Zydeco Futures and LT & The Zydeco Mob.
The Golf Cart, ATV, 4-wheeler Showcase Parade is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, as well as the Valero Krewe of Krewes Parade at 7:45 p.m. Musical performances scheduled for Feb. 17 are Sons of Bocephus at 8:30 p.m. and headliner Uncle Kracker at 10 p.m.
Pete’s Dueling Pianos will perform inside the Event Centre on Feb. 17, at 8 p.m. The $10 tickets can be purchased online at mardigrastx.com.
The Neches River Festival Capes and Crowns 5K will jumpstart events Saturday, Feb. 18, at 8:30 a.m. The Motorcycle Showcase is slated for 5:30 p.m. and the TotalEnergies Krew of Aurora Grande Parade at 6 p.m.
Music fans are in for a treat Saturday. Popular hip-hop stars will take the stage including Lil Keke (8 p.m.), Baby Bash (9 p.m.), Slim Thug (10 p.m.) and Paul Wall (11 p.m.).
Three parades are slated for Sunday, Feb. 19, starting with the KidMed Munchkin Parade at 2 p.m., Re/Max One Umbrella Parade at 3 p.m., ExxonMobil Truck Parade at 4 p.m. and the Neighborhood Veterinary Center Paws Parade at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday musical entertainment includes Ma$$aro at 4 p.m. along with LaTropa Estrella at 6 p.m.
The popular Jazz Brunch returns Sunday, 11 a.m. to 1 pm., with music by the Jimmy Simmons Band. Tickets are $30 and are available at ticketmaster.com.
New attractions this year are the Wolves of the World, which includes real wolves. This unique show demonstrates natural behaviors of wolves, their alertness, pack structure, ability in climbing, jumping and a whole lot more.
The GymFit Ninja Warrior Course is free for kids in the KidZone on Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m.
Carnival fun passes are also available for $25 in advance or $30 at the gate.
Tickets to enter are $10 on Thursday, $20 for Friday, $25 for Saturday, $15 on Sunday, or take advantage of the $50 four-day pass. Childress encourages everyone to buy tickets online, in advance, at mardigrastx.com or at any Market Basket location.
The first-ever Mardi Gras Treasure Hunt for the trophy begins with clues Feb. 12 on the organization’s Facebook page.
“Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas brings a lot of people together,” said Childress. “From the krewes, parades and concerts, it’s very family friendly.”
Emily Wheeler, Director of Event Services for the City of Beaumont, said the City welcomes Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas with open arms. “This partnership, now in its third year, is a huge undertaking and involves many city departments working together to support the Mardi Gras organization,” said Wheeler. “We welcome everyone near and far to join us for this four-day event full of fun for the entire family.”
For detailed information, view mardigrastx.com.
-Chad Cooper, Entertainment Editor