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Mardi Gras! Galveston returns with beads, bashes, masked balls, and more island fun

Galveston's biggest bash is back.

Photo courtesy of Mardi Gras! Galveston

The start of a new year on the Texas Gulf Coast means the return of raucous revelry that dates back to more than a century. Mardi Gras! Galveston, known as the third-largest Mardi Gras bash in the U.S., returns to Galveston Island for its 112th annual celebration February 10-21.

Galveston's massive, always popular event is expected to draw more than 350,000 attendees this year, many who'll pack the island during Carnival season for concerts, parades, balcony parties, elegant balls, and of course, beads.

As always, Mardi Gras! Galveston offers up diverse, family fun — and some adult debauchery — along some of the island's most familiar destinations. Fans can look forward to:

Party central

With nearly all parades traveling through downtown, Galveston’s historic downtown entertainment district will be a fan fixture. Visitors can post up on the street or at a balcony party for ideal views — and bead tossing. The event's main concert stages are also downtown, a must-hit spot for the headlining shows. For some beachy fun, hang out on Seawall Boulevard to take in the parade and the waves.

Masked merriment

While many choose to dress comfortably, stroll the area, and nab beads, others look forward to the upscale, masked merriment at the many black-tie, masked balls and soirees. The regal events feature lavish food and drink, live music and performances, dancing, and a bird's eye view of the parades below.

A true fiesta

In a showcase of the event's diversity, Fiesta Gras! blends a Louisiana get-down with a Gulf Coast, Texas-Mexican party on Sunday, February 12. The annual Hispanic heritage celebration features live entertainment performances from Grupo Secretto, Kazzabe, and more. Expect some dandy and entertaining mariachis, themed parades, vendors, and exclusive meet and greet balcony parties, per a press release.

Family fun

Who says kids can't get in on the fun? FamilyGras allows the whole family to take part in the activities on Sunday, February 19. Expect live family entertainment, the fan-favorite and adorable Krewe of Barkus & Meoux pet parade, the Mardi Gras Children’s Parade, and the Shriners Hospital Parade downtown.

Umbrellas, art, and more

One of the Gulf Coast's most picturesque celebrations returns with the Umbrella Brigade, where hundreds pack the streets showing off vivid, wildly decorated umbrellas. Fit types can run or walk in the Jolly Jester 5K Jaunt, while creatives can draw up some buzz in the official poster contest.

Bead it

Mardi Gras' tradition of bead tossing takes a sustainable turn with the Beads for Needs initiative. Here, thoughtful visitors can return their beads to a local collection bin, where students at Galveston Ball High will work to repurpose them — all while building life and entrepreneurial skills.

Those who want to get a jump on planning and lodging can score tickets and more information online.

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Holiday News

American Airlines expects record-setting travel on Thanksgiving 2024

Photo courtesy of American Airlines

American Airlines ready for takeoff.

The holidays are looming and American Airlines is ramping up. Over the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend, the Fort Worth-based airline expects to process nearly 8.3 million customers across more than 77,000 flights.

According to a statement from American's COO David Seymour, the airline is having a good fall season and canceled fewer flights than its peers during October.

“Thanks to the hard work of our 130,000 team members, we canceled fewer flights than any of our major competitors this October and beat our own records for on-time departures and arrivals,” Seymour says.

That's surely good news. One hates to rain on their parade, but in June 2024, the only flight I booked this year, my flight was canceled less than 24 hours before take-off. I had made hotel reservations, scheduled a pet sitter, planned events, and arranged for a friend to pick me up at the destination airport. One employee speculated that it may have been "insufficient crew." Their only solution offered was: Feel free to reschedule your flight.

Thanksgiving facts and figures
The travel window runs from November 21 to December 3, and the airline expects to carry more than 500,000 more customers than it did last year.

The most-traveled day will be Sunday, December 1. The second most-traveled day will be Monday, December 2.

The peak of peak: 1,035 mainline and regional aircraft will be enroute at 10:45 am on Sunday, December 1 — the highest number of flights handled at any given time during American’s travel period.

The airline expects to serve more than 6.8 million Biscoff cookies on board from November 21 to December 3.

Travel tips
Download the American Airlines app and check in for your flight, noting added any bags to your trip. This will save you time at the airport.

If traveling internationally, download the Mobile Passport Control app, which can speed up your entry into the U.S. Global Entry members can download the Global Entry app, which allows you to submit your entry and go straight to the officer.

Upon arrival at the airport lobby, scan your mobile boarding pass to print bag tags quickly at a kiosk. If you’re not checking bags, go straight to TSA security with your mobile boarding pass.

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