Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.

This year’s Mardi Gras is Tuesday, February 17.

Parades through the French Quarter and the Marigny are walking parades, not the traditional large float parades.

Mardi Gras is the biggest celebration the city of New Orleans hosts every year. This magnificent, costumed, beaded and feathered party is laced with tradition and is all about having a good time.

Carnival traditionally begins the 12th night after Christmas. And about two weeks before Mardi Gras, the parading begins. This year, parades began on January 31, 2015.

Every year Carnival parade organizations – known as “krewes” – are deep into preparations for their annual parades, costume balls and parties.

Fat Tuesday itself typically features back-to-back processions by some of the largest and oldest Carnival organizations in the state.

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