Once again, the wildly fun Krewe's here in Eureka Springs, Arkansas are more than ready to deliver two months of Mardi Gras Events from Costume Balls, Traditions, Parades, Cajun Food and more...
Did you know that Mardi Gras became the celebration we know today because of a secret society?
There are more than 100 secret societies (or "Krewes") involved in Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans, LA. Each Krewe builds a float to represent their specific theme on parade days, and features a celebrity guest to regal their audience.
In 1837, a secret society known as the Mistik Krewe of Comus aimed to elevate the often chaotic experience, replacing the debauchery with lavish balls and parades. Eventually, the "Fat Tuesday" celebrations of New Orleans garnered much support and enthusiasm, later establishing itself as the Mardi Gras capital of the USA.
Mardi Gras, as many of us know, means Fat Tuesday. I was introduced to the world by the French, which resulted in carnival events that originated in Mobile, Alabama and spread to New Orleans, Louisiana and today still exists in many cities.
The first Mardi Gras occurrence in Eureka Springs was in 1907 with a parade and two balls.
Eureka Gras was founded in 2005 and has now grown to a 5-state regional Mardi Gras with over 14 events throughout January and February each year.
Local residents, Dan Ellis and Al Hooks, both originating from New Orleans, were displaced from their beloved homes due to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. After finding themselves relocated here in Eureka Springs, they set out to create our very own grand celebration to be shared by all.
Not long after their arrival, it happened and the Krewe of Krazo was formed and subsequently founded its first ever spectacular Mardi Gras celebration here in Eureka Springs, which today is affectionately known as Eureka Gras. Now, the Krewes in Eureka Springs are doing some wonderful things in the community for the community.
Krewe Du Kork's Steampunk Eureka Gras Dinner will take place on January 28, 2023. This delicious dinner accompanied by wine pairings will celebrate and support our very own Eureka Springs Historical Museum.
There will be three entrée choices (please be sure to choose your entree when you purchase your ticket on Eventbrite - here.)
Catfish Court-bouillon: Pan fried catfish with Creole tomato gravy.
Blackened Pork Medallions: Pan seared pork loin with blackened seasoning and pumpkin cream sauce.
Stuffed Portobello: Portobello mushroom with house vegetables, rice and your choice of court-bouillon or pumpkin cream sauce.
The cubed king cake tossed with lemon cream icing and peaches served parfait style will top off the meal perfectly.
The Krewe of Barkus is a community group where dogs and their humans come together and they've become quite famous leading the Eureka Gras Day Parade featuring lavish costumes. Join this Krewe on Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm as they are featured in the Eureka Gras Light & Sound Parade.
Karnival season kicks off with the traditional "beading of the tree." That's right, one lucky tree (between The Carnegie Library and The Eureka Springs Post Office) is adorned with hundreds of beads to launch the season of Eureka Gras festivity.
Tree-beading will take place at 12:00 noon on Friday, January 6, 2023 - at the designated tree, of course! You really can't miss it, look for a tree with covered in beads and people standing around it adorned in green, yellow and purple with an intense need to bead.
Join in the fun!
For all the events happening in January & February visit the link below for more information.
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