3 million revelers expected for Mardi Gras

NEW ORLEANS, Calif., March 8 (UPI) -- More than 3 million people are expected to flock to New Orleans this week for the city's famously extravagant Mardi Gras festivities, officials said.

Traditionally held in the days before the Christian fasting season of Lent, the 150-year-old Mardi Gras festival is celebrated with decadent foods, elaborate costumes, parties and parades.

Lent begins this week on Ash Wednesday.

The Christian Science Monitor reported the Fat Tuesday festivities feature the most floats and parades of any day of Mardi Gras, which is crucial to the city's economy because tourism brings so much money into the region. This year, there will be 22 floats showcased and seven parades on Fat Tuesday.