Two hands in a praying position in front of a blue-tinted ocean with gentle waves.

Galveston is giving it up for Lent


Mardi Gras has come and gone, the last strings of beads have been thrown, the balls and parties are over and done and, hopefully, everyone survived the madness of Fat Tuesday. Holding true to the Island tradition of Mardi Gras and keeping with the ideas of hospitality, celebrations, good times and fun, Galveston welcomed visitors from near and far. Gay, straight, bi, transgendered or just confused, the locals welcomed all who visited for the festivities and made sure they had a good time—and something to talk about when they got back home! The parades, despite the rain, were attended by enthusiastic crowds with more viewers than ever before. The addition of a few new parades added to the fun and enjoyment for all. The bars, clubs and restaurants hosted thousands of revelers (some visiting for the first time) were amazed the variety of places, things and events that Mardi Gras offered. As expected, the bars—Robert’s Lafitte, 23rd Street Station and Rumors—turned up the heat (and the drink specials), presenting some great drag and illusion shows and even showing a few “strays†that wandered into the colorful party centers that the LGBTQ community welcomes all and is thriving on the Island.

On Wednesday after a night of Fat Tuesday partying, all the good, practicing Catholics (and non-Catholics), some with heavy hangovers, made it to their churches for Ash Wednesday. This is the day followers get the ash from burned palm branches in the shape of a cross placed on their forehead as sign of “dying to sin†and begin a 40-day journey of introspection, fasting, praying and doing good works. At the various churches around the Island, participants are told “from dust you came and to dust you shall return.†Many, especially those that partied hard the night before, already feel like dust or that they have a mouthful of dust!

Regardless of one’s beliefs or spiritual path, the idea of Lent is a pretty good one, to take some time to reflect, notice where you have failed and try to do better. In theory it is a pretty sensible and easy concept that’s good for all on most levels. Some go to extremes with fasting, limited foods or even excluding certain items and participating in special services and observances (Stations of the Cross, for one). Catholic or not, everyone talks about what they are going to “give up for Lent.†In some cases it is comical fodder and, in others, a very serious pledge or commitment.

“What are you giving up for Lent?†the query goes. “Oh, maybe alcohol, maybe sex, candy, cola or sweets,†and the list goes on. These are all great things to give up. But come on, are they practical? The heavy smoker or drinker who just might be tired or disappointed with their habit, is quick to say they will “give it up.†That’s easier said than done, no matter what one chooses to stop or resist for the 40 days Lent.

In the LGBTQ community, when asked, most say they’re giving up drinking, smoking, eating too much, partying a lot or other activities they want to cease or trim down. No matter what is chosen, it is not an easy task. Those 40 days can seem like a lifetime when you are aching for a smoke or salivating for a good scotch and water! Tough as it is, many do stick to their commitment and follow through with their Lenten journey for the 40 days. Candy, drinking, smoking and all those things are good candidates to abstain from, but there are other things folks should also consider giving up, such as gossiping, lying, bigotry, anger, nasty attitudes, posting rants on Facebook and so many more. Lent is a good time for self-examination for everyone and to make plans for improvement. Some friends even make a contest out of it, seeing who can make it the full 40 days without breaking down and consuming that drink, smoke or super fattening dessert.

Like many events throughout the year, Lent is one of those things that comes around each year, conveniently after heavy partying and celebrating for Mardi Gras. Think of it as a post-climax cleansing period. But over the years I have noticed there are no less patrons in any of the bars, and no less drinks served during Lent. Maybe folks are “giving up†something very secret or personal. Friends in the Galveston LGBTQ community jokingly say, “I’m not giving up anything. It’s no big deal. That’s just for Catholics.†To each his or her own. I don’t think that it’s so much a religious thing as it is a human thing. I mean, come on, any effort to make improvements is a good thing.

Regardless of what you believe, or don’t believe, the post-Mardi Gras season is a good time to chill out and ready yourself for a beautiful spring and summer. The cold weather and rains have dampened a lot of spirits so maybe Lent is a good time dry out and shed some light on some dark areas in our lives.

Whatever you choose to “give up†or not to change, it is your decision. Good luck with whatever you decide. Me? I have a long inventory or things to change and work on. I suppose we all do. May your Lenten journey be a good one.

Forest Riggs, a resident of Galveston is no stranger to the adventures of life. A former educator and business owner, he enjoys Island life and all that comes with it. He says he is a “raconteur with a Quixotic, gypsy spirit.†He has written for several newspapers and magazines as well as other writing pursuits, including a novel and collection of short stories.

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