Mardi Gras in New Orleans (40 images)

A masked lieutenant in rhinestones, silk cape and feathers, waves to the crowd during the Krewe d'Etat parade as it rolls down St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans February 8, 2013, on the last weekend of the Carnival season. Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, is February 12. UPI/A.J. Sisco

Carrying a torch called a flambeau, a masked marcher lights the way for the Krewe of Hermes parade as it rolls down St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans February 8, 2013, on the last weekend of the Carnival season. Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, is February 12. UPI/A.J. Sisco

Maksed riders toss trinkets to the crowd during the Krewe of Hermes parade as it rolls down St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans February 8, 2013, on the last weekend of the Carnival season. Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, is February 12. UPI/A.J. Sisco

Crowds reach for beads during the Krewe of Hermes parade as it rolls down St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans February 8, 2013, on the last weekend of the Carnival season. Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, is February 12. UPI/A.J. Sisco