Manitou Springs celebrates Mardi Gras in style

Manitou Springs heated things up this winter for the 24th year.

The town celebrated “Carnivale,” which featured a parade of 1,000 people and gumbo cook-off.

“It’s simply another way Manitou says, ‘Hello world, we’re different and we’re going to have a good time anyway’,” said Chris Hyman, parade participant.

Year after year, people come back for their favorite attractions.

“The culture, the food and the music and everything else,” explained Heather Lee Scully, parade goer.

“We’re so excited. I’m gonna get some gumbo, some crawdads, I want a hurricane… definitely want a hurricane,” Samantha Mauro and Jessie Mares, who attended the parade from out of town added.

Parade goers were also able to enjoy motorized floats in the family-friendly parade.