Mardi Gras in Red River is a six-day celebration inspired by the Louisiana Cajun traditions which made their way to the high country many years ago. Locals and vacationers alike look forward to parades, Grand Balls, and drink-making contests, turning out in ski gear and full Mardi Gras regalia for the events. Even those who can't break away from the slopes are adorned in Mardi Gras beads.
The Wild Tchoupitoulas are one of the Mardi Gras Indian tribes, originally formed in the early 1970's. Traditionally there is plenty of mock fighting amongst the tribes, as is illustrated by the tradition of burning a competing tribe's flag boy.