Mardi Gras in the Mountains
🎭 Red River’s Mardi Gras in the Mountains 2026 will run from February 12–17, 2026, with the theme “Masquerade.” Expect dazzling masks, colorful parades, Cajun music, and six days of mountain-town revelry.
📅 Key Details
Dates: February 12 – 17, 2026
Theme: Masquerade 🎭✨
Location: Red River, New Mexico — nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
🎉 Festival Highlights
Parades on Main Street 🚗🎶
Floats, costumes, beads, and music fill the snowy streets.
Two major parades: Thursday night kickoff and Saturday’s grand spectacle.
Balls & Parties 💃🕺
Multiple themed balls hosted by local krewes.
Fat Tuesday Ball closes the festival with dancing and live music.
Cajun Flavor in the Mountains 🦞🍲
Authentic Cajun feasts and drink contests.
Louisiana musicians bring zydeco and Cajun rhythms to Red River.
Family-Friendly Fun 👨👩👧👦
Children’s Ball and daytime activities ensure all ages can join.
Costume contests and community events throughout town.
👑 The Krewes
Local and visiting krewes keep the spirit alive:
Party Krewe 🎉 — lively and welcoming.
Krewe de VooDoo 🪄 — steeped in tradition.
Red River Brew Krewe 🍺 — craft beer enthusiasts.
Krewe Déjà Vu 🔄 — playful and fresh.
Totally High Crew (THC) 🌄 — laid-back mountain vibes.
Kowboy Krewe 🤠 — charitable and community-focused.
Krewe des Pas Bon 🎭 — Louisiana visitors bringing authentic Mardi Gras flair.
🌟 Why It’s Special
Started in 1992 by the Red River Chamber of Commerce, now sponsored by the Rex Foundation.
Unique blend: New Orleans-style Mardi Gras meets snowy mountain adventure.
Six days of nonstop fun: Parades, balls, feasts, and live music across town.
⚠️ Tips for Visitors
❄️ Weather: Snowy and cold — pack warm layers and waterproof boots.
🏨 Lodging: Book early; cabins and inns fill quickly during Mardi Gras week.
🚗 Parking: Arrive early for parades; Main Street gets crowded.
🎟️ Tickets: Some events (like feasts and balls) require advance purchase.
✨ In short: Mardi Gras in the Mountains 2026 is a masquerade-themed winter carnival — parades, Cajun feasts, live music, and krewes all set against Red River’s snowy peaks. It’s New Mexico’s biggest winter party! For more information, click the link: https://mardigrasinthemountainsredriver.com/