^
Keep Westword Free
I Support
- Local
- Community
- Journalism
Support the independent voice of Denver and help keep the future of Westword free.
Dairy Block's Petite Parade Was a Miniature Mardi Gras Mania
Sunday, February 23, 2020 at 11:26 a.m.

Jacqueline Collins
Mardi Gras, French for "Fat Tuesday," is the Christian feasting celebration that precedes Lent.
1/26

Jacqueline Collins
The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, where it began making its way to America via Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries, then on through the French House of the Bourbons.
2/26

Jacqueline Collins
Masks have always been part of Mardi Gras culture.
3/26

Jacqueline Collins
Organized by the krewe, members of a secret society, masks provided anonymity for Mardi Gras leaders.
4/26

Jacqueline Collins
At Denver's Dairy Block Petite Parade, floats were limited to two feet by two feet by three feet.
5/26

Jacqueline Collins
Participants came up with all sorts of unique ideas, from this circus float...
6/26

Jacqueline Collins
...to this little Fire Chief.
7/26

Jacqueline Collins
Star Wars made an appearance, too.
8/26

Jacqueline Collins
As did Buzz Lightyear.
9/26

Jacqueline Collins
Jugglers and stilt-walkers also joined the parade.
10/26

Jacqueline Collins
Leading the masses was one of Denver's best brass bands.
11/26

Jacqueline Collins
The musicians were happy to lead the parade.
12/26

Jacqueline Collins
Floats in the parade competed for various awards.
13/26

Jacqueline Collins
Contestants could win "Most Original Float," "Best Team Theme," "Best Family Float," "Funniest Float" and more.
14/26

Jacqueline Collins
There were only two rules for the contestants.
15/26

Jacqueline Collins
Every float must be family-friendly.
16/26

Jacqueline Collins
And no glitter bombs.
17/26

Jacqueline Collins
Teams got extra points for dressing to match their float.
18/26

Jacqueline Collins
The colors purple, green and gold are official Mardi Gras colors.
19/26

Jacqueline Collins
Purple stands for justice, gold for power; and green for faith
20/26

Jacqueline Collins
The Petite Parade offered plenty of activities for little ones.
21/26

Jacqueline Collins
Mask-making was among the arts and crafts.
22/26

Jacqueline Collins
There were also adult cocktails, for the older participants.
23/26

Jacqueline Collins
This fun event had some parade-goers jumping for joy.
24/26

Jacqueline Collins
Others celebrated on the sidelines.
25/26

Jacqueline Collins
Ash Wednesday is right around the corner, so get your fill of festivities before Lent arrives.
26/26
Dairy Block's Petite Parade Was a Miniature Mardi Gras Mania
On Saturday, February 22, a mini Mardi Gras paraded through Denver's Dairy Block. The Petite Parade showcased homemade shoebox floats, or tableaux cars, in honor of Fat Tuesday. Musicians, families, artists and more turned up to celebrate.
On Saturday, February 22, a mini Mardi Gras paraded through Denver's Dairy Block. The Petite Parade showcased homemade shoebox floats, or tableaux cars, in honor of Fat Tuesday. Musicians, families, artists and more turned up to celebrate.
Comments
View All
More Slideshows
-
Viking Aficionados Stormed the Museum of Nature & Science for…April 3 at 1:20 p.m.
-
A Rover Romp in the Park at the 2016 Furry ScurryMay 9 at 1:08 p.m.