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What is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday traditionally celebrated on “Fat Tuesday”, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It is a celebration of food before Lent. The origin can be traced back to medieval Europe with pagan celebration and was later adopted by Christianity and spread throughout Europe throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. When New Orleans was established in 1718, Mardi Gras was celebrated openly. Over time, balls and carnivals became more traditional into what we see today in modern New Orleans. However, it is also celebrated in countries with a large Roman Catholic population. In modern New Orleans, Mardi Gras is commonly a week-long festival full of parades, balls, and parties. Currently, Louisiana is the only state where Mardi Gras is a legal holiday, but it is celebrated in other parts of the United States! Every place has different traditions and events.
Mardi Gras in Colorado!
- Denver Mardi Gras, February 25, 7 pm – 12 pm at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver Tech Center
- Weekend of Mardi Gras Fun, February 18 at Downtown Manitou Springs
- Krewe of Shining Celestials Carnivale After Party, February 18, 2 pm – 4pm at Soda Springs Park
- Manitou Queenivale, February 18, 3 pm – 5 pm at Manitou Art Center ($15)
- Manitou Carnivale After Party at the Lodge, February 18, 3 pm – 5 pm at Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort
- Mardi Gras at Winter Park Resort, February 18
