Mardi Gras celebrations set for the El Paso area

There are more than 1,000 miles between El Paso and New Orleans.

New Orleans is the epicenter of Mardi Gras, having been established in 1718 by French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville who brought the revelry from Europe. By the 1730s, Mardi Gras was celebrated openly in New Orleans, with parades and masquerade balls added later.

In El Paso, the festivities of Mardi Gras — officially on Fat Tuesday before Lent begins — will be in full swing in bars and other locales around El Paso starting Saturday. Some are geared toward adults with opportunities to imbibe and others are geared toward families.

MORE: King Cake takes and Mardi Gras treats in New Orleans and beyond

If you can't party on Tuesday because you can no longer party during the weekday and make it to work the next day, then Joe Dorgan and Michelle Padilla, owners of Deady Page Productions, have the party for you.

The creators of the successful retro dance parties, Vampire Ball and Zombie Prom are now tackling Mardi Gras with a Fat Sat on Saturday at Tricky Falls Downtown.

Mardi Gras in the Clouds: The Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce will bring a little New Orleans to Burro Avenue Friday and Saturday. Food, music, vendors, games, parade and more. Cajun cook-off is at 6 p.m. Friday. Tasting trays $10, ($18 for couples, $7 for a family of four or more.) Street dance with DJ Rico is from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. The Parade is at 2 p.m. Saturday, followed by Parade of Bands. Free admission. 575-682-2733.

Mardi Gras at the Market: Want to start the celebration early? Then head out to Ardovino's Farmer's Market where you can enjoy great shopping while listening to Zydeco and Cajun music from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. You will find some drink specials in the restaurant. The Photo Bus will be on hand for fun pictures.

Freedom Crossing: About 3,000 people including kids and teens are expected to celebrate a family-oriented Mardi Gras from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Freedom Crossing, 1611 Haan Road, Fort Bliss. The celebration will feature live bands including Guitar Slim and Sol Studio Capoeira along with Samba Batucada and dancers. There will be food trucks with Cajun food. Relaxed access with ID. Complimentary beads, masks, and photo booth prints while supplies last.

The Mardi Gras celebration Saturday at Freedom's Crossing in Fort Bliss will include samba dancers. (Photo: COURTESY OF BIANCA CERVANTES)

Tricky Falls: Deady Page Productions presents its Mardi Gras 2018, starting at 9 p.m. Saturday at Tricky Falls, 209 S. El Paso St. DJ Max Torales will be spinning electronic, pop and top 40 dance music downstairs. The legendary Joe Dorgan will be spinning his mix of retro and top 40 dance music upstairs. At about 11:30 p.m., the crowning of the Mardi Gras Court takes place, along with stilts walkers, dancers and flame dancers. Body and face painting available by The Red Door Vintage.

General admission for $15. But then there's the VIP seats: Balcony seat tickets with masks and beads for $30, tables for four at the Perch with masks and beads for $100, and tables for six with masks and beads for $150. Available through www.ticketfly.com

Epic: It's a regular big party but on Tuesday night for Epic Bar, 510 N. Stanton. Enjoy $2 and $3 drink specials and music by two DJs on the patio. Complimentary masks and beads. No cover. 222-8000.

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Latin Mardi Gras: If your taste is more toward reggaton, Papi, then head on over to the Latin Mardi Gras Tuesday outside Chuco Boss restaurant and bar, and Hangover Shop, at 1781 N. Zaragoza.

It's going to be a block party with doors opening at 4 p.m. Featured entertainment will be regaetton singers Sammy Y Falsetto, who have had some hits since 2012 including "Dile Que Fui Yo." The event will continue through 2 a.m.

Tickets are $10 for $21 and over, $20 for 18 and up. 667-8020.

Bourbon Street on Cincinnati Street: The annual Mardi Gras celebration in Kern Place is on Fat Tuesday. Food, live music, drink specials and beads. The Street will be closed to traffic.

These all about the fastival of mardi gras.