The Krewe of Gambrinus, is a not-for-profit organization, chartered for the support of tourism and underprivileged children in Galveston, Harris, and surrounding counties.

Mardi Gras - Galveston Style - Mardi Gras, the traditional festival of feasting and merry-making precedes the season of Lent, observed by Roman Catholics as the historical period of fasting and penitence. Mardi Gras is a French term meaning "Fat Tuesday" a term which arose from the custom of parading a fat ox through the streets on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. Revelers eat, drink, carouse, and make merry during Mardi Gras, attempting to satiate the desires of the flesh prior to the abstinence observed during the Lenten Season. Mardi Gras is celebrated in many communities around the world-most notably in New Orleans and Rio De Janeiro.

The first recorded Mardi Gras in Galveston was celebrated in 1867. By, 1871, two rival Krewes had emerged: The Knights of Momus and The Knights of Myth; both of which had devised torchlight night parades, masked balls, exquisite costumes, and elaborate invitations. World War II brought about the demise of lavish parades in Galveston due to the shortages of men and materials, however, celebrations continued on in a more private nature. For nearly 40 years Mardi Gras in Galveston remained somewhat dormant until 1985 when native Galvestonian, George P. Mitchell, and his wife Cynthia, revived the citywide celebrations with a spectacular mile-long Grand Parade Night. This night featured nine dazzling floats and hundreds of musicians to the delight of 75,000 spectators.

Since 1985, Mardi Gras has grown dramatically in size and scope. During the two weeks of festivities, 600,000 revelers will enjoy sporting events, masked balls, street-side entertainment and parades hosted by 16 different Krewes.