Students filled the Main Campus’ Student Union lawn as the 13th annual Rowdy Gras kicked off on Feb. 17. Rowdy Gras is UT San Antonio’s Mardi Gras festival; Mardi Gras is the final day of the Carnival season, a day of parade and feasting before the Christian fast of Lent begins. Despite its religious roots, people from all backgrounds celebrate “Fat Tuesday” for its delicious food, music and traditions.

On the Student Union lawn, several booths were set up for the students to enjoy. Near the front was a caricature artist, face painting and airbrush tattoos. Long lines of students anxious for their turn to receive their custom masterpieces quickly formed. 

Rowdy Gras was MC’d by this year’s Spirit of The Road Runner recipients Abigail Navarro and Diamond Gomez. “My favorite event has always been Rowdy Gras, because it celebrates everybody,” junior biology major Navarro commented on the celebration. Navarro and Gomez crowned the 2026 Rowdy Gras royalty: UT San Antonio’s Senior Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement Karl Miller-Lugo. 

A photobooth had also been set up, with props of feathers and comically large sunglasses available as accessories. Despite challenges with wifi, the photo fun did not cease. Other booths offered Cajun food and the holiday’s famous king cake, a change from the seafood served last year. 

Accompanying the activities were cheerleaders, a live jazz band and a DJ later in the night. “Flex” by Cupid blared on the stereo, drawing a horde of students to line dance. Even students standing in the many lines could not help but bust a move.

All around the lawn, students were decked out in Mardi Gras beads and donned complimentary Rowdy Gras shirts. The atmosphere was lively with students dancing, enjoying the free food and taking photos wearing masks and face paint. 

Although this year’s celebration marks the 13th annual Rowdy Gras, this celebration was anything but unlucky.