Mardi Gras in the Mountains

Who has the best Mardi Gras party this side of the bayou? Red River, New Mexico! Join us February 7 - 12, 2013 for parades, crawfish boils, costume balls, and beads! The theme this year is "Medieval Mardi Gras" so get ready for knights & romance (though you can leave your torture devices at home). You'll want to be here for all of the excitement of the Krewe Krawl, the Burning of the Wild Tchopitoulas, the annual Drink Making Contest, Torchlight Parade & Fireworks, and the new Krewe-sades Pub Crawl!



Make your Mardi Gras trip more memorable by joining one of Red River's krewes or signing up to be in the parade.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce for more information: (800) 348-6444 x 1.

2013 Highlights:


Krewe Krawl & Burning of the Wild Tchopitoulas (Thursday)
The Wild Tchopitoulas is a fictional character that serves as a mascot for Mardi Gras in the Mountains. Similar to Zozobra (Old Man Gloom) in Santa Fe, each Mardi Gras kicks off with a foot parade down Main Street (Krewe Krawl) leading the Tchopitoulas to his final moments. Spectators are encouraged to write down their troubles and worries and toss them into the fire as the Tchopitoulas is burning. Once that is done, Mardi Gras in the Mountains can officially begin!




Drink Making Contest (Friday)
In what has become one of the most competitive events during Mardi Gras in the Mountains, various krewes show off their abilities to make a great drink and put on an even better show. Judges for the drink contest are often chosen at random before the contest begins, so get there early to find a seat and be entered in the drawing. Each krewe is judged on their presentation, actual drink, and overall performance.




Mardi Gras Parade (Saturday)
Red River's Mardi Gras krewes, local businesses, and various families and individuals participate with wild floats and elaborate costumes, as spectators line both sides of Main Street cheering for beads and candy. This is when much of the creativity surrounding the annual theme come out (the 2013 theme is "Medieval Mardi Gras").




Mardi Gras Grand Ball & Costume Contest (Saturday)
Though there is a costume ball each night during Mardi Gras, the Grand Ball is the most magnificent of them all. Everyone is invited to the Main Chalet at the Red River Ski Area for live zydeco music, dancing, and the official Mardi Gras costume contest. Dress up for your chance to win gift certificates from the Chamber of Commerce (good at any chamber member in Red River).



Children's Ball (Sunday)
Red River is known for it's family friendly atmosphere year-round so it's only fitting that we have a ball especially for kids. Join us at the Black Mountain Playhouse for live music, roller skating, arcade games, and pizza. Kids are also encouraged to wear their costumes and beads!




NEW! Krewesades Pub Crawl (Monday)
Everyone loves a Pub Crawl! Dress up in your favorite Medieval attire (swords, shields, coat of arms... you get the idea) and join us at Red River's favorite watering holes as we make our way from one end of town to the other. Participating bars/restaurants will be offering a special drink (non-alcoholic options are available too) and something to snack on. There is no fee to participate and the Miner's Transit trolley will be running if you're too chilly to walk. Participating reatusrants & bars: Black Diamond Grill, Lift House Bar & Grill, Capo's Corner, Timbers Restaurant, and the Bull o' the Woods Saloon.


Cajun Cookoff (Tuesday)
Get your taste buds ready for this fun event! Everyone is welcome to enter and show off their Cajun cooking skills, or just come have a beer and sample the tasty treats. There is no fee to enter and you could win fantastic prizes! Call the Chamber of Commerce to register at 800-348-6444 x.1.





Pueblo Balloon Company Raffle for Two
Purchase your raffle tickets for a hot air balloon ride for two at the Red River Chamber of Commerce (or call to purchase by phone). Raffle tickets are $15 each or two for $25. The drawing will be held at 12:30 pm on Fat Tuesday and you don't have to be present to win! The chamber phone number is (800) 348-6444 x 1. Find out more about hot air ballooning with the Pueblo Balloon Company here.