GALVESTON — They came by bike, trike, float, boat, fire truck, snazzy sports and classic car. Mardi Gras revelers with the Krewe d'Esprit Rosaire Mardi Gras Parade led Galveston Island's first parade of the Saturday before Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday.
The group keeps the tradition alive of being the only African-American Catholic krewe in Galveston. A “krewe” is an organization or association responsible for hosting a parade or carnival celebrations.
The nearly 2-mile parade was part of the 113th celebration of Mardi Gras on Galveston Island, joining 23 other parades that roll throughout the island, located 45 miles southeast of Houston. The parade still rolls by Holy Rosary Church celebrate the community that helped it to grow. Mardi Gras was Feb. 13 this year.
The Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire embraces its African-American Catholic history, offering area high-stepping marching bands and drill teams the chance to perform and highlight their popular showmanship skills that reflect those found at historically black colleges and universities.
Part of the parade included a float, themed to a pirate ship, helmed by students, staff and faculty from Holy Family Catholic School.
