Fat Tuesday is a special day in New Mexico, as it represents a blending of culture, tradition, and fun that brings many people together to have a good time. This year, make your trip to Angel Fire or Red River even better by taking part in some fantastic Mardi Gras celebrations.
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphAngel Fire
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphThe Fat Tuesday celebration kicks off in Angel Fire well before Feb. 25 with Hal’s Pals Mardi Gras celebration beginning Feb. 21. Throughout the week, there are activities that will appeal to people of all ages with varying interests. See some of the things you can do below!
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphMeet and Greet Other Skiers
Meeting new people is always a fun part of vacation, and that is incorporated at the very beginning of the celebration. Come to the Village Haus from 3 to 5 p.m. for live music, cookies, cocoa, and great conversation.
Feast on King’s Cake
King’s Cake is a Mardi Gras tradition dating back to the middle ages. Currently, it’s made of sweet dough, covered in frosting, and typically decorated in purple, green and gold. You can take part in a King’s Cake Pancake Breakfast at The Village Haus from 8 to 10 a.m. on Feb. 25. The only cost to you is $12 at the door!
Fiesta with a Singer from The Voice
Music is a lively part of the Mardi Gras tradition, and you can enjoy music in Angel Fire with a contestant from The Voice, Gyth Rigdon! (See him performing in the 2019 finale here.) The concert takes place 6 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Angel Fire Community Center. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
For a full list of Hal’s Pals Fat Tuesday activities with dates, times and locations, click here.
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphRed River
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphRed River has been celebrating Mardi Gras since 1992, said Shelby Werley, Executive Director of the Red River Chamber of Commerce, and this year promises even more fun for the community and visitors.
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraph“We’ve pulled different traditions from different places in the world and combined them all to create what is Mardi Gras in the mountains in Red River,” Werley said. “It’s a really fun and unique event.”
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphKeep reading to learn more about some of the highlights and favorites!
/wp:paragraphwp:paragraphBurn the Tchoupitoulas
Kick of the Fat Tuesday celebration at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Motherlode Saloon with a walk down Main Street leading to a massive bonfire. The flames engulf the Tchoupitoulas, which is a fictional character representing the celebration. While there, you can write down your worries and throw them into the fire. It might not be January, but it’s a perfect time for a new start!
Watch the Parade
Werley cited the parade Saturday morning as a local favorite. Businesses and individuals participate in the parade with beautiful floats and throw candy and beads to onlookers. It begins at 4 p.m. on Main Street and is the perfect chance to get out before one of the nightly balls.
Dance the Night Away
“Every night we have a ball that is hosted at a different location, and then we also have a Cajun band that plays,” Werley said. For a full list of locations and times, you can visit the Red River Chamber of Commerce Mardi Gras in the Mountain page.Wherever you decide to celebrate, we hope you have a fun and safe time! Be sure to capture your memories and share them with the hashtag #skinewmexico. We can’t wait to see all the fun you have with friends and family alike.