Mardi Gras Celebrations Animate the River Walk

River parade at the River Walk (photos by Luke Dias)

By Luke Dias

San Antonio is no New Orleans, but still had a blast with Mardi Gras, as thousands of people participated the annual Bud Light Mardi Gras River Parade and Festival on Saturday at the River Walk.

Now in its 10th year, this year’s event supplied over 40,000 bead necklaces, far more than previous years, according to Loren Reyes, the sponsorship sales director of the San Antonio River Walk Association. This nonprofit organization hosts 26 events at the River Walk annually, including the Mardi Gras celebration.

The highlight of Saturday’s event was the river parade, where the tour floats were decorated in the green, yellow, and purple Mardi Gras colors, and took two laps around the River Walk.

River Walk Royal Masquerade Gala Raises Money for Scholarships

Guests enjoy games at the gala.
(Photo courtesy of Victor Blanco)

By Sophia Scearce

Elegant floor length gowns and intricate Mardi Gras masks dazzled the Wyndham Garden at the River Walk Friday night, as around 300 people attended the first ever River Walk Royal Masquerade Gala.

“People got really creative with them, and some went above and beyond with hats, wigs, and even colored contacts,” said photographer Victor Blanco.

The gala was hosted by the San Antonio River Walk Association, which works to protect, promote and preserve the River Walk. The night’s festivities featured live music, casino games, and the association’s first ever online silent auction for its newly formed non-profit called “Friends of the River Walk.”