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NEW ORLEANS, La. — As New Orleans shakes off the long holiday weekend and returns to its vibrant routine, the city bursts into life with the sights and sounds of Mardi Gras. Beads will soar through the air, crawfish will simmer in pots, and the streets will come alive with the excitement of parades as this historic city marks its annual celebration.
Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, represents the pinnacle of the Carnival season—a festival that stretches over weeks and culminates in a day of indulgence and vibrant festivities. It offers one last opportunity for revelry and feasting before the solemn period of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, a time traditionally reserved for reflection and sacrifice in the Christian calendar.
In Louisiana’s largest city, renowned worldwide for its extravagant Mardi Gras festivities, one of the final parades is organized by the Zulu Social Aide & Pleasure Club. This iconic parade is known for its unique African-inspired costumes worn by marchers and float riders, who delight spectators with a shower of “throws”—a collection of trinkets including colorful beads, candies, doubloons, stuffed animals, cups, and toys. The parade’s most coveted throw is the hand-decorated coconut, a prized catch for many attendees.
As the day progresses, the Rex parade, presided over by the King of Carnival, will make its majestic journey down St. Charles Avenue. This iconic route is flanked by enthusiastic crowds and stately oak trees, their branches draped in the lingering decorations of previous celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Later in the day Rex, the King of Carnival parade will roll along St. Charles Avenue, lined by paradegoers and stately oak trees covered in Spanish moss and beads.
Carnival events are popular for their spectacular and enormous floats, and also the intricately crafted outfits worn, such as Black masking Indians, whose beaded and bejeweled costumes are topped with feathered headdresses, or paradegoers walking the French Quarter in homemade costumes that capture the unique spirit of the Big Easy.
The good times will roll not just in New Orleans but all across the state, from exclusive balls to the Cajun French tradition of the Courir de Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday Run — a rural event in Central Louisiana featuring costumed participants performing, begging for ingredients and chasing after live chickens to be cooked in a communal gumbo.
Parades are also held in other Gulf Coast cities such as Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida, and there are other world-renowned celebrations in Brazil and Europe.