GALVESTON – The island’s 105th Mardi Gras celebration is now going strong, with about 300,000 visitors expected over the next two weekends.
Saturday morning kicked off with the Mystic Krewe of Aquarius parade, which features 15 marching bands and dozens of floats.
“I love the beads, I love the atmosphere, I love the beach,” said Alfredo Guerra, who is celebrating his 41st birthday this weekend.
The celebration stretches all the way from the beach, to the historic strand. People from across the country are in town to party, including Connie Sherrer, who traveled from Michigan.
“It's 30 degrees and snowing in Traverse City with about two feet on the ground,” Sherrer said.
Besides watching the parades, many people also enjoy throwing beads from the balconies at the strand, a Mardi Gras tradition.
The celebration continues Sunday with the Sunshine Kids parade at 1pm and the Shriners Hospital for Children Parade at 3p .m. It will kick back up next weekend and ends on Fat Tuesday.