Galveston home celebrates Mardi Gras year-round

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Laura Pennino's Mardi Gras celebration is year-round. It's a passion she grew up with in New Orleans, "I have a kind of Mardi Gras mindset, I feel it's the joy of life."

For Laura, Mardi Gras is a celebration of hope and joy, even in tough times. In 2020, Laura brought her purple-and-gold spirit to Galveston. She bought a historic home on 33rd street, filling it with her Mardi Gras treasures.

Laura said, "My entire heritage is in this home. I know it sounds crazy, but I couldn't have found a better house."

Laura's home is filled with Mardi Gras masks, posters, beads, more masks, and a purple and gold Christmas tree that stays up year-round. Laura fills her home with the love of Mardi Gras and family. The main room is dedicated to Laura's sister Joan, who lost her battle with cancer a few years ago.

"Joan absolutely loved Mardi Gras. She came to visit in October of 2021, and I had the feeling she wouldn't be with us much longer. I just thought this had to be her room; she loved it." Laura shared. "A few months after she passed, I was sitting on the couch thinking of her, and I could feel her spirit. She's like I'm OK. She's here now, I can feel it."

About the time Laura lost her sister, she joined the Galveston dance group Tutu Live Krewe, a sisterhood she needed. "I told them my sister loved Mardi Gras, so I have to get involved with you. They invited me to practice, and it was like therapy. I'm going to stay with the Tutus as long as they'll have me."