The annual Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas celebration concluded its fourth year in Beaumont, Feb. 11. The event was held downtown on the Great Lawn at the Downtown Event Centre and ran from Feb. 8-11. The celebration included parades, concerts and a carnival.
Despite it raining throughout the weekend, the community still showed out to the celebration. Not even the rain could shut down Mardi Gras.
From Cajun food to live music to getting hit in the head with beads, Mardi Gras had it all. The fun wasn't only for the adults as kids of all ages enjoyed the tradition. Attractions included dog races, a free inflatable “Kids Kingdom,” a Family Farm petting zoo, balloon arts and clowns, and Dallas the Fire Guy.
Ten parades hit the streets of downtown Beaumont throughout the weekend. People on the various types of floats threw beads to the crowds. Motorcycles, ATVS, and even Golf Carts got to join in on the fun as well.
Live music accompanied the festivities, with acts including Li’l Flip and Chingy along with many other artists perform.
New this year to Mardi Gras was a carnival which featured 30 rides, including a Ferris Wheel.
Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas originated in Port Arthur back in 1993, before moving to downtown Beaumont in 2020.
Next year’s Mardi Gras celebration is scheduled for Feb. 28-March 2.