Rosario’s Flying Pizza & Pub Ad Let’s Eat Island History Creative Minds Snow Day on the Island
THINGS TO DO ON THE ISLAND
Mardi Gras! Concert Viewing Balcony Party
Experience Mardi Gras like never before with a $67 ticket to the exclusive balcony party at 2228 Strand St, Galveston, TX, on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Enjoy free entry into the Entertainment District, live music on the Corona Extra Stage, three parade views, and a prime spot in the heart of the action. Tickets include gate admission, balcony access, a cash bar, and unforgettable vibes. Must be 21+ to attend. Please note: the balcony is not handicap accessible, and there is no elevator.
Firefighters Children’s Parade Balcony Party
The 21st Annual Firefighters Children’s Parade on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 2228 Strand St, Galveston, TX, starting at 12 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include balcony access, a cash bar, and the chance to toss beads while enjoying great parade views. Proceeds benefit the Firefighters Children’s Parade. Don’t miss the fun—get your ticket today!
Kiwanis Club of Galveston Fat Tuesday
Balcony Party
Close out Galveston Mardi Gras at the Kiwanis Club Balcony Party on Fat Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 5:30–10 p.m. at 2228 Strand St. Enjoy handmade pizzas, King Cake, a cash bar, and a prime parade view for $35. Proceeds support local youth. Beads available; kids welcome with an adult!
Leo’s Cajun Corner, located at 3201 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550, is your goto spot for bold Cajun flavors and Southern comfort. Known for their tender riblets and crispy boudain balls, this local gem also offers a hearty breakfast bowl with your choice of scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes, biscuits, gravy, cheese, beans, and grits—guaranteed to fuel your day or send you straight into a nap! Open Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 7 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, Leo’s is the place to satisfy your cravings any time of day!
LET’S EAT LEO’S CRONER with CAJUN
BoardsbyTiff
Scan Here & Book Today
BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT WITH ME! • Birthdays • Holidays • Special Occasions And More
Nestled within the scenic Market Street area of Galveston, The Water Tree is a must-visit spot for anyone seeking clean, premium alkaline water and wellness products. Located at 2527 Market St, Galveston, TX 77550, this hidden gem offers a refreshing experience with knowledgeable staff ready to guide you on the benefits of healthier hydration. Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., it’s the perfect place to stop by and revitalize your lifestyle.
Don’t miss out on this local treasure!
Valentines Day Messages
Love is not finding someone to live with. It’s finding someone you can’t live without. You’re my without! Happy Valentine’s Day to the three important women in my life.
Rene, Nina & Sofia - Love Jon
Aloha, Happy Valentine’s Day to my favorite cousin - Love jappie <3
Happy Valentine’s Day to my amazingly sweet and sassy Bubbies! I am so thankful for the love and joy y’all bring to my life.
Nonnie, Izzy, & Cat Cat, - Mommy loves y’all to the moon & back!
Brenym & Drae, Always be yourself and don’t be afraid to step out the box
- Love Mommy
Skye mommy loves you so much, you are my bestie!
Hug.Kiss.Heart - Love Mommy
Happy valentines to my beautiful princesses, yall have brought so much joy and happiness into my life! I love yall more than the Sun the stars and the moon, I love yall forever and always!
Yall are my sunshine on a rainy day! Ayana, Monica & Kamilla - Love mom
Thankful for the love you three pour into my heart everyday! I love yall more than you'll ever know. Happy Valentine's to my three piece Cinco, Bella & GG - Love, Mama
Happy Valentine’s to my kids
Daniel, David, Leah & Messiah
- Love yall Mom
Since the day you were all born, you’ve been my source of strength. I am so incredibly grateful for each of you. Happy Valentine’s Day, my sweethearts! Matthew, Jakob, Nickolas & Olivia - Love Mom
Happy Valentine’s Day to my amazing girls! I am so incredibly proud of yall every single day. Your kindness, creativity, and big hearts make me the luckiest mom in the world. I love you more than words can say.
Kayla, Aris & Gabby
- Love Mom
Happy Valentine's Day to our amazing son. You have a huge heart full of love and kindness. You have truly been a blessing and we are so grateful for you. Miguelito we love you mucho mucho mucho - Love always Mom & Dad
Happy Valentines Day Sweet Girl. We love you so big & are so proud of you. Life might not be easy but you sure make it worth the effort. Love Always & Forever - MomS.
Happy Valentine’s Day to my beautiful vieja Natalie De Leon
- Love your husband & our boys
Island History
Mardi Gras celebrations in Galveston, Texas, have a rich and vibrant history that dates back to the late 19th century. Known for its lively parades, elaborate costumes, and festive atmosphere, Galveston’s Mardi Gras is one of the largest and most notable celebrations in Texas.
The origins of Mardi Gras in Galveston can be traced to 1867, when the island’s residents first started to embrace the tradition of Mardi Gras. This was a time of rebuilding for Galveston after the Civil War, and the local community sought ways to bring life and excitement back to the island. A group of local businessmen formed the “Galveston Mardi Gras Society,” which organized the first official Mardi Gras ball in the city’s historic opera house. The ball became a hit, and the following year, in 1868, the first parade took place, featuring costumed revelers and colorful floats.
Galveston’s Mardi Gras celebration continued to grow over the years, peaking in popularity in the early 20th century. During the 1920s, the event was so grand that it drew large crowds, rivaling New Orleans in terms of revelry. However, the celebration was temporarily halted due to a series of challenges, including economic downturns, hurricanes, and Prohibition.
History
In the 1980s, Galveston’s Mardi Gras was revived thanks to the efforts of a group of locals who recognized the potential to turn the event into a major tourist attraction. Today, Galveston’s Mardi Gras festival is a two-week-long celebration featuring parades, live music, balls, street parties, and a host of family-friendly activities. The event draws thousands of visitors annually, with the island’s historic downtown and waterfront serving as the vibrant backdrop for the festivities.
The city’s Mardi Gras celebration is known for its inclusive, funloving spirit, with people of all ages coming together to participate in the revelry. Costumes, beads, and throws are an integral part of the festivities, and the event is a time for both locals and tourists to celebrate the unique blend of cultures that shape Galveston’s identity.
Today, Mardi Gras in Galveston remains a beloved tradition, showcasing the resilience and joyful spirit of the island’s residents and a testament to the city’s ability to celebrate life despite the challenges it has faced throughout history.
CREATIVE MINDS
Meet Jessica Sanchez, a talented braider known for her vibrant, eye-catching styles. With an expert touch and a passion for hair artistry, Jessica creates braids that are intricate, full of life, and color, reflecting her creativity and dedication to making every client feel bold and beautiful.
Q: What inspired you to start braiding, and how has your style evolved over the years?
A: I truly believe it was God’s calling for me because I never even considered doing hair before. In 2017, I became a single mom of four, juggling two jobs while feeling stressed and not being able to spend time with my babies. Then, in 2018, a barber friend asked me to braid his hair, and from there, his clients started noticing my work, and he began sending people my way. Social media also helped spread the word. I saw an opportunity and decided to turn it into my own little business, which led me to quit both of my jobs. I’m so grateful for my parents, who supported me as I worked towards getting my cosmetology license in 2020. Since then, I’ve traveled all over, working at rave festivals doing festival braids, which I absolutely love. I’ve had the chance to meet so many incredible people along the way, and I couldn’t be more thankful for where this journey has taken me.
MINDS
Q: What’s the most challenging or intricate braid design you’ve ever created, and what made it special?
A: I don’t think I have one specific braid design, but creating designs like letters, numbers, hearts, crosses, swirls, stars, butterflies, and money signs can be pretty challenging. The toughest part is the parting—it takes time and precision—but once that’s done, the braiding itself comes more easily. What makes it truly special for me is completing the style, seeing it turn out nice and neat, and knowing my client is happy with the result.
Q: How do you stay inspired and keep your creativity flowing when designing unique styles?
A: My clients are a huge source of inspiration for me. Some come in with designs they’ve seen online that I’ve never tried before, while others just let me freestyle. Traveling has also been a big influence. I’ve made friends with other
braiders from Texas, California, and Chicago, and seeing their work helps me stay updated with the latest trends.
Q: If you could braid the hair of any celebrity, living or past, who would it be and why?
A: Probably Nipsey Hussle because I would have loved to hear some motivational talk from him.
Q: What’s the wildest or funniest request you’ve ever received from a client?
A: Wildest request that happens all the time, people who come in with not even one inch hair wanting to get braided. Funniest request, at one of the rave festivals a guy wanted his beard braided and it was a bit awkward at first lol but it was cool to do something I’ve never done. He got blue and purple braids.
February 2025
Main Parades
SATURDAY, FEB. 22ND
12:00 p.m. Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade
The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade kicks off at the Seawall and moves through the Entertainment District. This vibrant 65-unit procession includes 12 Aquarius double-decker floats, 15 marching bands, dance teams, and a variety of other floats and walking units.
Parade Route: Starting at 57th and Seawall, the Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade will head east to 25th Street. From there, it will continue down 25th Street, enter the Entertainment District at 25th and Mechanic, and then proceed along Strand Street.
6:00 p.m. Krewe of Gambrinus Parade
As one of Galveston’s two Super Parades, the Krewe of Gambrinus features 14 massive floats and just as many marching bands, showering the crowd with over 600,000 beads and trinkets.
Parade Route: Starting at 57th and Seawall, the Krewe of Gambrinus Parade will head east toward 25th Street. It will continue down 25th Street, enter the Entertainment District at 25th and Mechanic, and then make its way along Strand Street.
saturday march 1st
6:00 p.m. Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade
The Grand Night Parade features a magnificent fleet of colorful floats, marching bands from all over the state, dignitaries, and more!
Parade Route: Beginning on Seawall, the Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade will head west towards travel 25th street, travel north down 25th and enter the Entertainment District at 25th and Mechanic and travel down the Strand.
TUESDAY, MARCH 4TH
6:30 P.M. MYSTIC KREWE OF AQUARIUS
The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius annual “Fat Tuesday “ Mardi Gras Parade features marching bands, dance teams, and participating Krewes in the final hours of Mardi Gras Galveston 2025.
Parade Route: The parades begin 28th and Market Street, east to 25th Street (Rosenberg), turns right to Postoffice Street, turns left and proceeds to 19th street, turns left to Strand, turns left and proceeds to 25th street and ends.
Valentines Day on The Island
NightVibe
Riondo’s Ristorante
2328 Strand Ave, Galveston, TX 77550
Offers a welcoming and cozy atmosphere with a focus on Italian cuisine. The restaurant is known for its casual yet charming vibe, blending traditional Italian flavors with a modern twist. It has a well-regarded selection of pasta dishes, seafood, and flavorful pizzas, along with a robust wine list to complement the meals.
Gaido’s
3828 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550
A beloved seafood restaurant with a rich history that dates back to 1911. It’s known for offering an upscale dining experience with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Gaido’s specializes in fresh seafood, and their menu includes a variety of dishes such as oysters, shrimp, crab, and fish prepared in numerous ways.
The Steakhouse
5222 Seawall Blvd The San Luis Hotel, Galveston, TX 77551
A refined, upscale dining experience that is perfect for special occasions or a memorable meal out. The Steakhouse specializes in top-quality steaks, featuring cuts like filet mignon, bone-in ribeye, and prime rib. They’re known for their attention to detail in preparation, offering perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful meats.
Pre-order your Island Vibe shirt today!
Sizes S to XL are available for immediate purchase. Extended sizes are available upon request. Contact us now to secure yours!
“A Wave From It All” where you can get that much needed rest and relax. What’s that one thing we all look for in a hotel, condo, or vacation rental? Excellent customer service is what we can provide to you and your family. Where we aim to please and know you’ll have the time of your life! Feel free to send a message with any and all questions so we can reach back out to fulfill that escape!
Registration number - GVR-05405
