Pro tip: Gather your beloved and spirit them away to two of Manitou Springs’ signature events – the Carnivale Parade and the Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-off – and they’ll fall in even deeper love with you.

This year’s Mardi Gras celebration, themed around “All You Need is Love,” begins with hearty bowls of gumbo at 11 a.m. Saturday in Soda Springs Park, 1070 Manitou Ave. Belly up for 75-cent tastings from 20 chefs who have concocted their best Cajun soup full of different meats and seafoods, okra and other ingredients, all served over rice; manitousprings.org/mumbo-jumbo-gumbo-cook-off.

With a full belly, you’ll be better able to enjoy, or partake in, the Carnivale Parade. Yes, you can join the walking procession for free, though RSVPs are required. The parade lines up at noon Saturday at Memorial Park, 502 Manitou Ave., and joyously heads westbound to Soda Springs Park; manitousprings.org/carnivale-parade.

No vehicles are allowed, and throwing beads, candy and other items is prohibited, though you can walk over and hand said items to parade watchers. You can also volunteer to carry one of the giant historic parade puppet characters. Email manitoucarnivale@gmail.com.