Galveston Mardi Gras Event

Mardi Gras By The Beach

I always wanted to witness the exciting and colorful Mardi Gras event in Galveston island. Last Saturday, it finally happened.

That morning, my son had no idea where we were going. As we entered the island, he shouted, “You guys didn’t tell me we’re going to the beach!” We told him it was a surprise. The sound of his voice and facial expression made me and his mom laugh. Quietly of course.

We arrived at the seawall an hour early. We had a lot of time to just relax, unwind, enjoy the view of the sea and play around.

Mardi Gras is all about the beads. Lots of bright, colorful beads.

The friendly cops were the first people to give away free beads.

Then King Inebrius and his court passed by. I had no idea who he was but he must be famous judging from the crowd’s applause. On second thought, they might had cheered to get more beads.

I was expecting a rain of beads. Instead, it simply drizzled. We did catch a few and one football ball.

My wife was having a blast helping my son catch the beads.

Meet the Queen of Mardi Gras. She gave everyone a generous, beautiful smile. She was also taking the crowd’s pictures which I bet are now posted on her Facebook page.

It was an absolute joy watching the kids looking all excited and happy as they reached for the beads, candies and toys. One lucky girl got a teddy bear. To me, giving happiness and magic to others is what Mardi Gras is all about. Unfortunately, when the sun goes down a different, crazier Mardi Gras happens as alcohol starts to cloud a person’s mind.

Mardi Gras is also about music. There was a lot of singing and dancing. These guys were singing some awesome blues.

School bands from different cities had the crowd moving on their feet. They were all talented and exudes that vibrant, cheerful enthusiasm.

Mardi Gras is also about masks, costumes and mystery. Of reinventing oneself and just embracing that adventurous, fun and merry side in all of us.

Last float was the pirate ship. After the parade, it was time to celebrate with food. Mardi Gras is also about savoring a mouth-watering bounty of food influenced by the delicious culinary inspirations from New Orleans, Louisiana.

For lunch, my son had Shrimp Shack Mac and Cheese with mango smoothie while me and my wife shared a pan seared Tilapia sautéed with spinach, cream and lobster sauce at Bubba Gump Restaurant. A cool, refreshing dessert followed at Rita’s. We had mango flavored Italian ice topped with coffee flavored frozen custard. A perfect ending to a perfect eventful day. Oh, we did pass Starbuck’s for an instant caffeine rush. After eating all that food, I was ready to go to sleep.

My son and I played at the beach using the baseball ball we got from the Mardi Gras parade. He was having a wonderful time that he didn’t want to stop. He forgot that his mom was waiting for us at the restaurant.
A fun and happy event no matter how short reminds us how beautiful life can be and that it is great to be alive.

This Week’s Image Of Life is called “Event.” Some are fun and exciting with loads of laughter in between. Some events bring sadness while others to love, hope and faith. Regardless of what events life bring us what matters is how we face them and whom we share it with. Events is about people coming together to make this world a better, happier place.

What events changed your life for the better?

Thank you for sharing your day with me.

Discover the inspiring world of these blogger friends.

Hardik Gohil at http://mang0pe0ple.wordpress.com/2013/02/05/weekly-image-of-life-people/

The Guat at http://thewishfactor.wordpress.com/2013/02/07/weekly-image-of-life-challenge-people/

Francine at http://francineinretirement.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/furry-people/

ShopeTwinkle at http://travelwithintent.com/2013/02/08/weekly-image-of-life-challenge-people-on-mount-fuji/

Patricia of http://lifeofaministermom.com/2013/02/12/weekly-image-of-life-people/

For those who wish to join in this week’s challenge, here’s a link and the widget.

http://thismansjourney.net/2012/06/13/weekly-image-of-life-happiness/

Images taken using an iPhone 4 camera with Camera + App and Nikon 1 J1.