“Coffin Racing” will race down the main street of the Colorado mountain town this weekend

Manitou Springs has hosted its legendary (and macabre) coffin races for three decades.

The festival is held in memory of beloved former resident Emma Crawford, who died of tuberculosis in 1891. At her request, she was buried by townspeople at the summit of Red Mountain and rested there until 1929, when years of exposure to the elements caused her coffin to slide down the mountainside.

In her honor, the city hosts a day of celebration with live music, a parade and, of course, a coffin race. In the races, teams of five compete against each other, with the drivers being pulled by four “mourners” in coffin-like structures. Awards are presented for categories such as Best Coffin and Best Entourage. Visitors are recommended to come in costume.

The free festivities begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at the 900 block of Manitou Avenue. The parade begins at 12 p.m. and the coffin race follows shortly thereafter. For more information, visit manitousprings.org/emma-crawford-coffin-races.