The Manitou Springs Carnivale is a spectacle of color, music, drummers, belly dancers, fun throws, art, and giant puppets. Powered by community, family-friendly, and art-centric, the Carnivale features a foot parade where everyone is invited to be a part of the parade.
Happening on cupid’s day of love on Feb. 14 this year, Manitou Springs Carnivale began as a sidewalk parade 33 years ago. It started when local artists Jim and Arlene Wood returned from a trip to Carnivale in Venice and wanted to bring that same art experience to Manitou Springs. From this beginning, the Carnivale eventually moved onto Manitou Avenue, welcoming giant puppet makers, musicians, stilt walkers, and creative krewes – all led by the King and Queen and their Royal Court.
“This is a valued cultural event in Manitou Springs, truly an art happening in a town that is known as an art colony,” says a spokesperson from the Carnivale.
They added that one of the most popular parts of the Carnivale are the giant puppets and the local engagement. The Manitou Springs Drumcircle traditionally leads the parade behind the King and Queen, there are people who have been walking in the parade for two decades, and everyone in the parade interacts with the spectators, making them a part of the experience.
Not to mention the art, which is at the heart of the Manitou Springs Carnivale, according to the spokesperson. They say their favorite part is the Mardi Gras spirit, “I went to my first Mardi Gras parade on the Mississippi Gulf Coast at the age of three. I love Mardi Gras season. When I first moved to Manitou Springs, I was thrilled to discover the Carnivale parade. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced in parades in the South. Carnivale in Manitou Springs is wonderful because it is a uniquely Manitou event – Mardi Gras with a Manitou twist!”
The event is incredibly family-friendly, with kids enjoying interacting with giant puppets, catching throws, and dancing to the music.
“It’s a perfect day out for the whole family. Before and after the parade, you can enjoy the restaurants, shops, art galleries, and kids of all ages love the historic Manitour Springs Penny Arcade,” says the spokesperson.
So if you’re looking for something to do on Valentine’s Day with the whole family, head over to Manitou Springs, Colorado, just over an hour from Denver. The Mumbo Jumbo Cookoff starts at 11am and the parade kicks off at 1pm.
The Carnivale is put on by the non-profit Manitou Carnivale, not Visit Manitou Springs.
