Carnivale season kicks off on Jan. 6, and the Manitou Springs Carnivale board of directors and ManiKrewe committee are ready to make it a great one! In its first year as a nonprofit, Carnivale in Manitou Springs is a beloved community event that is uniquely for the community and by the community.
“There’s so much more to the season than just the Carnivale parade, and we’re adding more events every year to engage the community,” said Jenna Gallas, president of the Manitou Springs Carnivale board. “We want all ages involved.” The board of directors and ManiKrewe committee (responsible for coordinating the parade and events) will meet on Jan. 6 to celebrate the beginning of the Mardi Gras season with a king cake and big plans.
“This year’s theme is ‘Cirque du Manitou’ and we are really going to have fun with this one,” said Gallas. “We announced the theme and the opening of Royal Court nominations at our Pardi Gras fundraiser in November, and we are looking forward to the next couple of months – there’s so much opportunity for community engagement.” One example will be a Carnivale exhibit at the Manitou Springs Heritage Center that reflects the history of Carnivale here.
As mentioned, nominations are now open for the Royal Court – King, Queen, Dukes and Duchesses and a Jester – and anyone can be nominated. Voting begins Jan. 15. The incoming court will be welcomed by the 2024 King and Queen at a gathering hosted by the Royal Krewe of Manitou Springs (comprised of former court members throughout the years). The King and Queen lead the parade, with dukes and duchesses carrying the giant Carnivale letters in the parade.
“It’s our goal to involve all age groups,” said board member Judy Teevan. “Last year, we were able to really engage Manitou Springs elementary art students in making shoebox floats, which is a tradition in the schools in the South during the Mardi Gras season. This year, we will continue to find ways to make school age kids a part of this community event.”
Key dates for this season:
Jan. 15: Nominations close and voting begins for the Royal Court
Jan. 25: Royal Court announced
Feb. 24: Deadline for krewe registration
Feb. 22: CarniBall
March 1: Mumbo Gumbo Jumbo Cookoff (prior to parade)
March 1: Carnivale parade
A new tradition was established last year, as ManiKrewe worked to preserve the giant Carnivale puppets, while seeking to add more. Last year, local artist Katie Orr was tapped to create a new puppet to add to the collection. In 2025, we will continue to increase the Carnivale puppet population, while safekeeping this little slice of Manitou’s Carnivale history.
Guests are encouraged to attend the ball and parade in costume. Tribe, a perennial Carnivale favorite, will be playing at CarniBall, which will also feature a Cajun/Creole buffet, casino games and door prizes, at the historic Iron Springs Chateau.
For information on court nominations, key dates, krewe registration, sponsorship opportunities, CarniBall, the parade and other Carnivale events and activities, visit our Facebook page, Facebook.com/manitou.carnivale.
NYE in OCC
Ruth and Rosie Brydie had their faces expertly painted at the third annual NYE Under the Lights in Old Colorado City. There was a “family countdown” celebrating the new year at 9 p.m., followed by a late-night celebration that went until midnight. The event featured music, s’mores, and offerings from the adjacent Jives Coffee Lounge. [Disclosure: These are my kiddos!–ed.]
