Mardi Gras, or as some may know it as Fat Tuesday, is the annual Carnival celebration that is known worldwide. The following day is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, which is a 40 day period when Christians give up something enjoyable until Easter. Even though Mardi Gras started because of Lent traditions, it has since evolved into a large festival that is celebrated all around the world. If you happen to be in the Rocky Mountains during this time period, do not worry; there are plenty of celebratory events going on for you to enjoy!
Breckenridge, Colorado
Come to one of the most popular mountain ski towns in the U.S and enjoy a day filled with costumes, masks, floats, parties, gumbo, boas, beads, live music and revelry to commemorate the carnival season. Head down to Main Street for the Mardi Gras Parade starting at 4:30 pm on Tuesday, February 9th. Get there early to find a great spot along the fenced in area along the street for great viewing of all the beautifully elaborate themed floats. Afterwards follow the last float to Main Street Station for live music, gumbo and much more! Don’t forget about all of the other local bars that will be having Mardi Gras themed parties and specials going on!
Keystone, Colorado
If you love food and enjoy a good time, then head on over to Keystone for one heck of a Mardi Gras Party! Purple, green and gold will be all over Keystone River Run with people ready to have a good time. There will be live music and some of the best gumbo in the county! So come hungry because there will be endless amounts of delicious tasting food on February 9th at 3:30pm.
Vail, Colorado
Head out to the one and only Vail, Colorado to experience the whole Mardi Gras package starting on February 6th with the World’s Highest Low-Country Crawfish Boil, followed by the Bud Light CarniVAIL. On February 7th and 8th the days will be filled with fun Mardi Gras events, one being at Mid Vail that will have New Orleans Gumbo, jambalaya, beignets and live entertainment, as well as Apres events happening at the Express Lift. Fat Tuesday, February 9th brings the float filled parade and Bud Light Street Party. So come on up and enjoy the Vail CarniVAIL happening February 6th-9th! You won’t want to miss it!
Now knowing some of the events going on up in the Rocky Mountains be sure to get out here and check them out because this is a time of year you do not want to miss! There will be beads being tossed, purple, green and gold being worn, New Orleans style foods being served and good times being enjoyed!
Amber Boutwell is a published Denver photographer who loves capturing nature and food. She shoots with natural light but has a deep love for dark skies. When she’s not on mountaintops chasing the Milky Way, she’s managing the great brands behind AVA and The Outlaw Group as their Marketing Manager. She’s been known to quote Joe Pesci, over-kiss cats, enthusiastically eat cheese, and return pugs.
Her motto:
“Seek out places where the Wi-Fi is weak, the views are stunning, and don’t forget the snacks.”
