LOCAL EVENTS
San Marcos takes on Mardi Gras
The 12th annual Mardi Gras parade was filled with beads, bubbles and bliss as the procession made its way through the historic downtown district of San Marcos. The Mistick Krewe of Okeanos organized the event with the mission of supporting music and arts in the community and bringing neighbors together. Massive floats with mythical gods, pirate ships, castles and river creatures rolled through San Antonio and Belvin Street followed by marching bands, roller skaters and groups of walkers decked out in green, purple and gold. The sidewalks were full of citizens catching beads and mixing mimosas as the sound of trumpets and laughter filled the neighborhood. The party did not stop after the parade with after parties being hosted at both Zelicks as well as Industry for their kick off event for the new local business organization South Square Collective.
“It was the largest parade we have had so far and we appreciate all those who participated and came to watch,” said Greg Wurzbach, one of the founding members of the Krewe.
Not only was there a big turnout for the crowd, but the parade itself was full of community members and organizations from the San Marcos River Rollers to the Broke Thespians Theatre Company and everything in between.
“It was a perfect day for a parade; The bands were excellent this year and added a lot to the festive atmosphere,” said Wayne Kraemer, President of the Krewe.
The parade was possible with the support of sponsors such as La Cima, Germer Insurance Services, Divided Sky, Zelick’s, Jacks Roadhouse and grant funding from the San Marcos Arts Commission.
It takes a lot of work to produce a grand event as such and the months of labor paid off.
“It was my honor to serve as this year’s Krewe of Okeanos Mardi Gras Parade Chair, and I was delighted to hear that the community loved our parade this year. It was incredibly gratifying to see all the spectators, the smiles on the kids’ faces, and the house parties all along the parade route. It made it worth all the hard work it took to make it happen,” Molly Ann Rosas-Garcia said.
The parade celebrates San Marcos from the imagery of the river to the community members that filled the streets and the crowd. This year’s event extended past our 78666 zip code with spectators visiting from all over Texas.
“I was surprised to see so much community participation, from float construction to parade participation, to spectators. Everyone seemed to be having a blast, with lots of interaction. Not something I encounter in the big city of Houston. It felt special to be a part of it and it was great fun to watch,” said Cara Strong, a visitor from Houston.
The Krewe is already making plans for next year’s Mardi Gras parade with the next one set for Saturday Feb. 14, 2026 at 12 p.m.
“I look forward to the parade every year! I love that San Marcos celebrates the Mardi Gras tradition,” said Ann Burnette, San Marcos local. Save the date and check out the Krewe’s website at mardigrassanmarcos.com and their instagram at @ mardigrassanmarcos for updates on the parade and all the events surrounding Mardi Gras in the 78666.
Daily Record photos by Rebekah Porter
