Let the Good Times Roll (and Pass the King Cake)

You know it’s Mardi Gras season when glitter starts showing up in unexpected places and someone walks by wearing purple, green, and gold beads—and not just for the parade.

This time of year brings an energy that’s hard to ignore. And on the Island, we’ve found our own rhythm for celebrating. The official Barefoot Mardi Gras parade rolls down the beach at 11 a.m. on February 28, but the joy starts well before then.

At Evoke, we’re kicking off the season in February with our Mardi Gras Maskerade. This event is in collaboration with the incredibly creative students from Seashore Learning Academy and is proudly hosted and sponsored by Evoke, as part of our continued support for young artists and local traditions. If you’ve never seen the flair these young artists bring to a Mardi Gras mask, make it a point to stop by. Their artwork will be featured all week long—and yes, you can vote on your favorites. (Dates to be announced.)

2025 Maskerade 1st Place Winner: Miranda R - 6th Grade

You’ll also find the official Barefoot Mardi Gras original art now on display at the gallery. Swing by, take a peek, and maybe snag a few extra beads while you’re at it.

If you haven't grabbed your tickets for the Fat Friday Party... now’s the time! 🎭✨ Join the fun January 30 at The Waterline at Doc’s—live music, costume contest, cash bar, appetizers, silent auction, and all the Mardi Gras magic to kick off the season right. Tickets sell fast! Get yours at freshtix.com/events/fatfriday2026

But no Mardi Gras season is complete without one very important treat: the King Cake.

My traditional King Cake variation with cream cheese piped on top! 😋

Not Just a Cake—A Crowned Tradition

Few traditions are sweeter than King Cake. So before you toss some beads on a cupcake and call it a day, let’s talk roots.

King Cake season begins on January 6, also known as Epiphany or “King’s Day,” and continues through Fat Tuesday—the day before Lent begins. It is the feast that concludes the Twelve Days of Christmas, marking the culmination of the Christmas season. It’s a tradition steeped in faith, culture, and celebration, tracing all the way back to Old World Europe.

The traditional King Cake is more like a sweet, braided bread than a cake—think cinnamon roll meets brioche, twisted into a ring. It's often filled with cinnamon, cream cheese, pecans or fruit, and topped with icing and dusted in purple, green, and gold sugar. Hidden inside is a tiny plastic baby (symbolizing the Christ child), and whoever gets the slice with the baby is said to be “King or Queen” for the day—and is also responsible for bringing the next cake… or hosting the next party.

And the colors? They’re not just festive:

• Purple represents Justice

• Green stands for Faith

• Gold signifies Power

I bake my own King Cake most years, and no matter who ends up with the baby, I always seem to be the one baking the next one anyway. The odds are stacked. But I don’t mind—it isn’t just about the cake. It's about tradition, family, and the joy of keeping something special alive.

South Texas puts their own spin on this tradition. Some use Bundt cakes (Nauti T's makes a GREAT one and they are taking orders now!), some skip the baby entirely, and others opt for cupcakes or cookies with Mardi Gras sparkle. While I personally lean traditional (I generally don’t mess with a good thing), I love seeing how the spirit of King Cake evolves and spreads.

What Mardi Gras Means on the Island

Mardi Gras might not have started here, but that hasn’t stopped us from giving it our own flair. Between the beachfront parade, community events, and our weeklong celebration at Evoke, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the season—glitter and all.

Each year, a local artist is chosen to create the official Barefoot Mardi Gras artwork, and it’s always a highlight of the season. Last year, M. Kelly Olsen captured the spirit with his distinctive abstract style. This year, the baton has been passed to Kaleigh Glover, whose vibrant new piece is now on display at Evoke—a bold and joyful reflection of our coastal Mardi Gras energy.

We have had many inquiries about the 2026 Barefoot Mardi Gras t-shirts—they aren’t quite ready yet, but they’ll be available to purchase at Evoke soon, along with other Barefoot Mardi Gras artwork merch. Limited edition prints of the official 2026 Barefoot Mardi Gras artwork by Kaleigh Glover will also be available. We’ll be sure to announce as soon as it all arrives! 💜💚💛

Mardi Gras season is about more than just a party. It's about celebrating resilience, creativity, and the people who make this community feel like home. Whether you grew up with King Cake traditions or are just now discovering them, you’re part of the story now. Grab a slice of cake, don your mask, find a good spot on the parade route, share a smile, and let the good times roll—Padre Island style.

Laissez les bons temps rouler, y’all.

P.S. If anyone wants to bring in a King Cake from Louisiana, I’ll have a knife ready—BTW, my vote is that the knife stays in the box—IYKYK.

The Art of Island Life will return next week with more stories and coastal inspiration. Have a story you’d like to share? I’d love to hear from you at contact@melissamitchellart.com

Evoke Studio & Gifts

14646 Compass Street, Suite 10

The Island—Corpus Christi, Texas 78418

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 11a-4p, Friday & Saturday: 12p-4p, Closed Sunday & Monday

After-hours private shopping appointments may be arranged upon request, based on schedule availability.

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