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.
Everyday we experience different kinds of events. Some are fun and exciting with loads of laughter in between. Others allow us to celebrate the important dates in our lives like birthdays and anniversaries. Some events can lead to tears and grief 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.
Today, make an event that is all about love and passion. It is after all Valentine’s Day. Bring a piece of smile in someone’s heart and inspire them to do same.
What events in your life do you wish to celebrate and relive all over again? What’s your dream event? Perhaps today is your lucky day.
Thank you for sharing your day with me. Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day.
Today, discover the inspiring world of these blogger friends. Their zest for life, their families, their environment and most of all their faith are priceless treasures that will bring a smile to your day.
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. Have a great time making wonderful memories.
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. My friends, have fun discovering and creating the most beautiful images everyday. They are a part of the unforgettable memories and events we make in this lifetime.
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- The Mystique of Mardi Gras Masks (froomzblog.com)
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Awesome event and so as your pics. Thanks for sharing
Thanks.
Beatiful images, I love the one of your wife and son catching the beads. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Jo. It was a fun moment.
Here is my entry for this week. Carnival of Venice.
http://mang0pe0ple.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/weekly-image-of-life-event-carnival-of-venice/
Wow! That was one amazing event. Can’t get enough of it. Thanks.
Thank u for sharing
We’ve been to Dickens on the Strand many times, but just haven’t made it down for Mardi Gras. Thank you for the front row seat.
Thanks Georgette. It was exciting. I heard the night one is the grand celebration but not really for children.
What fun and the last image is a short story in itself. Happy hearts day.
Thanks Sally. Febuary stirs the romantic hearts in all of us and just make us embrace life in a happy way. Something we should do everyday of every month.
This looks a wonderful event to witness… as always depicted so well by you…
Thanks Bro. I appreciate that.
What a fun event! I especially love that photo of the blue beads being caught in the air and all the hands reaching out.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thanks Angeline. That picture sums up into itself what this celebration looks and feels like. Belated Happy Valentine’s Day.
thank you so much for sharing this event!!!! that mango ice topped with custard looks SO DELICIOUS! i’ve been working in the yard, and that would make a perfect food to break my fast!
would you please send one via pelican? it’s beak could probably hold a mini ice chest, dry ice and that wonderful confection!
z
Pelican on the way! Our Galveston Island escapades is not complete without this refreshing cool sweets. Thanks Z.
Mardi Gras is such a joyful event. Thanks for sharing your day with us.
I love how you shot those beads as they are being tossed to the crowd.
Catching those beads was a lot of fun Made me feel like a kid all over again. Thanks Gracie.
Hi IT, Thank you for reminding us that events are to make this world a better, happier place. So well stated!
Thanks Amy. Events can bring us a sense of joy and excitement. Sometimes we have to make an effort to make it happen. But worth it all.
What a great day you had! I would love to go to Mardi Gras, instead I’ve had an average working day, but peaceful so all is well!
I got lucky. There are events I want to go too but I had to work or I have no idea how to get there. Thanks for sharing.
That great last shot tells me how much fun you squeezed out of such a wonderful day!
Pictures with our imagination takes us to where events happen and even if we are not there ourselves, we can feel the excitement of the moment. Thanks Patti.
Great pictures. Never been to a Mardi Gras but sure looks like fun. Great floats!
It was. Thanks.
We eat pancakes on Mardi Gras.. or Shrove Tuesday.. What is the bead thing all about!!
I guess it symbolize celebration and indulgence. It is also called Fat Tuesday which happens before Fasting Wednesday. To me, it is a fun way to let go and just embrace a joyful day. Fun is fun regardless of the beliefs and history behind each events. Thanks.
this.. is… amazing!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you.
Love Bubba Gumps! Love Rita’s! And love your Maradi Gras!
Thanks. What’s an event without a delicious food? Plus after all the walking , cheering and waiting, we are bound to get hungry.
Whoo! That mango smoothie looks great!
I love that picture with the blue beads all kinda warped by their motion. Surreal!
Looks like you had a fun time.
I did. Catching the beads was one of the main fun moments of the parade. Thanks.
what a fun activity It’s great to enjoy the events for everyone
It was an event for all ages as long as it’s day time. Night Mardi Gras is a different event with a different crowd. Thanks.
what a fun post! happy valentine’s to you
Thanks. Same here.
What a great way to celebrate Mardi Gras and how wonderful that you kept it a surprise for your Son. Such a series of treats for him. That day just kept getting better and better!
Thanks for sharing your day with us.
Me and his mom love to see his reaction every time he gets a surprise. Same expression you see on Christmas morning as a child gets his present. A magical, happy moment. Thanks.
Love and many blessings island Traveler for you and your family on your Valantines Day and for the days that follow. I enjoyed your pictures of the Mardi Gras, so very differant from some that we have in our Country, yours show genuine joy, not fake.
I Posted the Power point I promised you ( see link below) and linked your Post on Love, thank you for sharing from your heart. I wish you much inner Joy always.
Blog Post – http://freedomborn.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/7377/
Christian Love from us both – Anne.
Thank you. Anne. I wanted to experience the event and share it through a child’s eye. Adults have their different version of fun during Mardi Gras which I bet is also exciting but through a child’s perspective, happiness comes in a pure, wholesome, lasting way. God bless you and Ron.
What a fun day with the fam! I love the colorful images journaling your day. My favorite pic was the close up of the hands catching the beads. What an awesome and unique photo!
Thanks Darla. The hands catching the beads sums up what this event feels like.
Well, it was stunning! Great job!
I LOVE a parade … why is that?
Parades brings back our happiest childhood memories and when we see a new one, the joy of the old and the excitement of the present collides in the most beautiful way. Thanks Cheryl.
Looks like you and your son had an awesome day at Galveston island Mardi Gras. The event was beautifully captured in your photos, still, my favourite picture is the one of your son running on the beach. Delightful and so spirited.
Every time my son runs at the beach, time seems to freeze. It’s a combination of joy and freedom. A lot of my happiest memories happened close to the sea with my family around me. Thanks.
It looks like an All-American good fun event, and it’s always nice to see your little one smile. (you and the missus, too) I was taking part in a special event of my own last weekend, and have just finished blogging about it, or I’d have joined in on your challenge. (It was my daughter’s wedding)
Congratulations to your daughter and her husband. Weddings are happy events that brings people together in the most magical way. Thanks.
Looks like it was very colorful. Loud too? For sure! Must have been fun. I hope your 02/14 celebration was good!
Not so loud. The open space and the sound of the sea neutralized the noise. The most memorable sound was the children’s excited laughter. Thanks.
Wow! Loved the pictures! I have never been to Mardi Gras and your pictures (of the parade especially) have me feeling like I’m caught right in the middle of it.
Pictures do make us feel like we were there ourselves. Thanks for sharing.
Ahhh…. the kind of Mardi Gras the kids will enjoy. Looks so lively. I haven’t gone in any parade for a long time, and I am now envying to go to one after seeing two posts about parades.
Again, a very nice parent of you taking your kid out to see lively events such as this.
I miss going to Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Thanks Bro. Events like this makes me feel alive and have that little child in me once again face life’s adventure’s in a more exciting way.
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I’ve never been to Mardi Gras or a Mardi Gras-type of event either. I bet your son definitely enjoyed catching the beaded necklaces they tossed out. I like watching the bands and the trumpet and tuba guys getting their groove on…that was a good pic. And your lunch at Bubba Gumps? Definitely sounds awesome. I love that place. Very cool.
Here’s my take on your challenge and of course it has to do with sports
Hope you enjoy.
http://thewishfactor.wordpress.com/2013/02/15/weekly-image-of-life-challenge-event/
Thanks for sharing a fun event. I think what makes every event more meaningful is that we get to spend them with friends and family. To laugh, smile and be merry with someone.
Sounds like you had a fun filled family day at the beach!!! Fantastic!!! Love the beautiful photos and post!!! ~Sophia
Thanks Sophia. Family at the beach…always fun. Add an exciting event…magical!
Felt I was there IT! What an explosion of colour! Fab shots as usual
Thanks Madhu. The colors added to the joyful spirit!
Great photos–so festive! Anything you do all together is a special event, but what a visual feast on a very special day.
Thanks Naomi. To me, as long as my family is at my side, ordinary days becomes extraordinary ones.
I’ve never been to a Mardi Gras but now thanks to you I feel as though I have. So interesting to see the floats, and the marching bands, and the beads…
I’m glad you shared the photo of the ice cream. Mmmmm…
Thanks. Going to Rita’s for the cold treats feels like a celebration every time we are in Galveston.
King Inebrius!!!! What a riot… You had fun I can tell.
I did. Thanks.
Wow looks like you had a great time! So entertaining
Thanks for sharing your day with us!
It’s a joy to share this with my blogger friends. Best gift we can give to others is a piece of happiness, love and yes, a warm smile. Thanks.
Great event! I’m still working on mine. Will be back later today. Sorry for being late.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
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Here are a coupe of events I attended this pass summer. http://wp.me/p23TG1-2dy
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Love the events you shared . Thank you.
What vivid photos! The parade looks like it was an absolute blast, and I’m sure the marching bands were wonderful! These photos reminded me a bit of my university’s homecoming in Tuskegee, AL. I’m glad you and the family had a chance to attend this great celebration! This past weekend we traveled across the country for my brother-in-laws wedding, and what a wonderful event it was! http://lifeofaministermom.com/2013/02/19/weekly-image-of-life-event/
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Thanks Patricia. The wedding event you shared had me jumping for joy. Full of love, laughter, and happiness. You are blessed to have a loving family that strives to inspire each other. Beautiful smiles that lights the entire post.
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