Whether you’ve already booked your Angel Fire Resort condo or home rental or are looking for a vacation destination where you can celebrate Fat Tuesday in style, Mardi Gras 2021 promises to look a lot different than in years past. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the idea of partying, parading, and making holiday memories with your family.
With a little imagination and preparation, you can experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of New Orleans on our mountain. Read on to learn how.
Assemble Your Krewe
The very first themed Mardi Gras parades were put on by social organizations, or “krewes,” whose members worked together to build floats and sew fancy costumes. That tradition lives on to this day, with new krewes joining in the Mardi Gras festivities every year.
Anything goes with your krewe’s theme, just so long as it represents something that’s important to you. Maybe that’s a favorite movie or TV show, a bit of family lore, or an activity you all love to participate in, like downhill skiing. So name your krewe, decide on your colors, line up, and get ready to hit the slopes in your finest regalia.
Dress the Part
Mardi Gras is a grand ball, and your attire should match. When packing warm clothes for your Mardi Gras road trip to Angel Fire Resort, make sure your wardrobe also contains:
- Green, purple, and gold outfits.
- Feather boas.
- Colorful wigs.
- Tiny hats.
- Costume jewelry.
- Anything with sequins.
Mask Up
When it comes to Mardi Gras, masks are also de rigueur. Of course, you can stock up on pre-made masks that tell the story of your krewe. But you’ll have more fun making them yourself. All
you’ll need is a few craft supplies and a sense of adventure.
- Paper plates.
- Plastic straws.
- Popsicle sticks.
- Markers or crayons.
- Glue.
- Scissors.
- Sequins or jewels.
- Feathers.
If the idea of starting from scratch feels a bit daunting, search online for Mardi Gras images or download and print some mask templates.
Trinkets, Throws, and Trophies
Mardi Gras parades are synonymous with souvenirs. As the floats wind their way through the streets of New Orleans, the krewe members onboard toss trinkets to festival-goers. Hence the term “throws.”
You don’t need your own balcony overlooking the French Quarter to make this tradition your own. Beads, doubloons, cups, Mardi Gras-themed treats, and throw bags are all readily available from party stores.
Have fun picking out the parade booty you’d most like to score, then start practicing the moves most likely to win you the most throws. At the end of the day (or night), everybody shares the prizes they’ve scored during a final judging. May the best haul win!
Breakfast for Dinner
Beyond the masks, throws, and fanfare, Mardi Gras is about the food. Jambalaya, gumbo, red beans and rice, pralines, and pancakes are all staples of Fat Tuesday feasts. Even better, these decadent eats can be savored throughout the day, turning every meal into a Mardi Gras bash.
If you don’t feel like cooking, The Village Haus offers pancakes to start your day off right, as well as various sweet treats to keep the good times rolling.
Crown the King of Cakes
Speaking of indulgent fare: one of the most beloved of all Mardi Gras traditions is the king cake. This dessert is only available for purchase this time of year, so it can be hard to find at the local supermarket. Luckily, it’s not too difficult to bake one yourself. All you’ll need are a few cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls, some frosting, a little food coloring, and sprinkles!
If you do decide to whip up a king cake in your kitchen, don’t forget the secret ingredient: the tiny porcelain (nowadays, plastic) baby. Whoever finds this symbol of the infant Jesus in their slice of cake will enjoy a year of good fortune and prosperity — which helps explain why the job of supplying next year’s king cake also winds up on their plate!
Now you’re ready to celebrate Mardi Gras on the mountain. Let the good times snow by booking your vacation rental at Angel Fire Resort today!
