The most famous Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday) celebrations occur in New Orleans. But this doesn’t stop other cities across the country from going all out with parades and parties of their own.
Port Arthur, Texas is one of the many cities that has celebrated Mardi Gras since 1993. That’s 23 years’ worth of parties these fun-loving people and their friends have enjoyed so far!
The Mardi Gras has contributed a lot to the area’s economy and to racial harmony, as people from all walks of life flock to the city to take part in this traditional celebration.
More wholesome than anywhere else
Organizers describe it as a family-friendly festival, more wholesome than celebrations in other areas.
The streets of Downtown Port Arthur burst with color and cheer as people from all walks of life watch a parade and dance to their hearts’ content.
These parties are intended as a final blowout before the fasting, abstinence and sobriety that go with Lent.
What to expect
Like most celebrations during Fat Tuesday, the Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas is most awaited.A month before it opened in early February this year, organizers mounted the Miss Mardi Gras Scholarship Pageant of Southeast Texas as prelude to the main event.
Parades — of munchkins, motorcycles, ATV/golf carts and trucks — are all-time favorites.
Music lovers can watch a series of concerts. Larry Tillery & Vagabond Dreamers, Aaron Watson, Cody Johnson Band, and Wayne Toups & Zydecajun are some of the featured acts this year.
Food stalls and arts and crafts booths, the Gumbo Cook Off, the umbrella-designing contest called Umbrella Brigade, camel and pony rides, the Royal White Tiger exhibit, a petting zoo and Dallas the Fire Guy also spice up the event.
Nudity, profanity and indecency during the parades are prohibited in this family-friendly event where children below 11 years old are admitted for free.