Port Arthur Considers Reviving Mardi Gras to Boost Downtown

Residents express excitement and support for the return of the long-absent festival.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:34am

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City leaders in Port Arthur, Texas are considering bringing back the Mardi Gras festival, which has been absent from the downtown area for seven years. The proposal, presented during a closed-door meeting, aims to boost tourism and revitalize economic activity in the city's downtown. Residents have reacted positively to the news, sharing memories of past celebrations and voicing support for the festival's return.

Why it matters

The revival of the Mardi Gras festival could provide a much-needed economic boost to Port Arthur's downtown area, which has struggled with declining activity in recent years. The event's potential to draw crowds from across Southeast Texas could also help restore a beloved tradition for the local community.

The details

According to the proposal, the Port Arthur Convention and Visitors Bureau would oversee the planning and operations of the city-led Mardi Gras celebration, which could launch as early as 2027. The goal is to create an event separate from the one held in nearby Beaumont, with the aim of attracting more visitors and revitalizing the downtown area.

  • Port Arthur's Mardi Gras festival has been absent from the downtown area for seven years.
  • The proposal to revive the festival was presented during a closed-door meeting on March 19, 2026.

The players

Port Arthur Convention and Visitors Bureau

The organization that would oversee the planning and operations of the proposed Mardi Gras festival in Port Arthur.

Dekovin Flanagan

A Port Arthur resident who expressed support for the return of the Mardi Gras festival, stating that it would help "brighten up" the downtown area.

Michael Buchanan

A Port Arthur resident who recalled enjoying the past Mardi Gras celebrations and the crowds they drew from across Southeast Texas.

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What they’re saying

“Bringing life back to downtown would be a good thing.”

— Dekovin Flanagan, Resident

“People enjoyed coming out. I did. Lots of friends that I know came, people from other cities around came.”

— Michael Buchanan, Resident

What’s next

City leaders in Port Arthur are still reviewing the proposal to revive the Mardi Gras festival, and no final decision has been made yet. The next step would be for the city to make an official announcement on whether the festival will return and, if so, when it would launch.

The takeaway

The potential return of the Mardi Gras festival to Port Arthur's downtown area represents an opportunity to boost the local economy and restore a beloved community tradition. Residents have expressed enthusiasm for the proposal, highlighting the event's ability to draw crowds and bring life back to the city's center.