THROWBACK THURSDAY: Suicide Night At The Victoria Carnival

The carnival in Victoria kicks off tonight, and it brings back memories for us old folks. "Back in my day," the first night of the carnival was a huge deal; it was called "suicide night."

'Suicide night' was the best night of the carnival.

The reason that was given to us kids was that this is the first time rides will be used, and it was "risky." Now looking back as an adult, I now know that the rides are tested extensively and have to pass an inspection. However, that night had so much hype back then. I am pretty sure that term cannot be used today. How times used to be simpler.

The first night of the carnival was always packed! I feel like today's kids don't have the same appreciation for the carnival as we did. Some of the classic rides from our childhood are gone, at least in Victoria, like the Lovebug, the Himalaya, the Gravitron, and the Zipper, just to name a few.

The Gravitron was my favorite carnival ride of all time.

The one ride I enjoyed the most was Graviton. I used to always wonder how the DJ in the middle never got sick. However, when the rides got to full speed, hanging upside down are some of the best times of many childhoods.

What was your favorite carnival ride growing up? Let us know by messaging us inside our app.

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The 2026 carnival in Victoria is underway.

This year's Pride of Texas carnival will run from Thursday, February 19 through Sunday, March 1 at the Victoria Community Center Fairgrounds. All you-can-ride wristbands are available as well as single tickets. Back then, armband night only happened one time during the yearly carnival run, it was a big deal.

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Source: THROWBACK THURSDAY: Suicide Night At The Victoria Carnival

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