Mardi Gras Hits Third Coast This Weekend

Galveston is hosting the 23rd Mardi Gras of its modern era while New Orleans krewes roll for the second time P.K. (Post Katrina). Dedicated lunatics have been slowly building up their Mardi Gras revelry since the twelfth night after Christmas - the official start of the carnival season. But, the highest concentration of the most celebrated Mardi Gras parades, balls and general debauchery lands this weekend.

Attendance for events in both cities is expected to blow past the 200,000 mark. It is important to have a plan when dealing with crowds like that especially after a daiquiri or six. Houstonist offers up the following parade picks for Galveston and New Orleans to help you last minute lunatics sort out things.

Galveston Parades
>> Krewe Du Vroom - Friday @ 7 PM: The inaugural rolling of any krewe is a must see event. This krewe's parade will consist only of motorcycles. It is the first time an all-cycle parade has rolled down the Strand. In fact, it's believed to be the first time ever in Mardi Gras history. The parade promises to be loud and tons of fun. But, Houstonist is still trying to figure out how the riders are going to throw, drink and ride at the same time.

>> Knights of Momus - Saturday @ 6:30 PM: Momus is the biggest and baddest parade of the weekend with a route winding down Seawall before hitting Strand. This parade features tons of beads and the Mummers. The 2007 Mummer's theme is "A Viking Quest." Houstonist hopes they'll keep the pillaging to a minimum.

>> Mardi Gras Children's Parade - Sunday @ 2 PM: Scared of subjecting your kids to a Girl's Gone Wild moment at Mardi Gras? You should be safe at this parade consisting of local children, their families and firefighters. However, there's no accounting for obnoxious parents.

NOLA Parades
>> Muses - TONIGHT @ 7:30 PM: If Thursday starts your weekend, then you owe it to yourself to catch the saucey ladies of Muses, who roll through Uptown tonight. The parade features snarky themes with floats and riders decked out in outrageous costumes that typically lampoon politicians and other locals of note. Be sure you check out their shoes.

>> Endymion - Saturday @ 4:30 PM: Endymion's grand marshall this year is Taylor Hick's of American Idol (guess they couldn't get Kelly Clarkson). This Super Krewe rolled through Mid City in the B.K. Mardi Gras era, but the city will force the 1,000+ members to roll an uptown route again this year. Expect the neutral ground to be packed since this is the last parade of Saturday evening. Hope your mom and 'em got a spot staked out already.

>> Thoth - Sunday @ 11:30 AM: If you're looking to catch a parade before driving back to Houston, this is it. 1,200 riders strong and over 40 floats deep. The Thoth guys throw, if you know what we mean. Catch them along the Uptown route at Fat Harry's for the most beads.

>> Bacchus - Sunday @ 5:00 PM: Face it. When folks think Mardi Gras, they think Bacchus. This krewe is a must see if you've got the all clear to take Monday off or even if you don't. Their romp through the city follows the Uptown route and will feature James Gandolfini, a.k.a Tony "I beat my friend to death with a frying pan" Soprano.

Complete Mardi Gras parade schedules for Galveston and New Orleans are online here and here.

Want some Mardi Gras flava without leaving town? Check out Dr. John @ Warehouse Live on Sunday.

Did we miss something? Leave a comment and let everyone know.

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Photo by Danny Brennan