Carnival in New Orleans (12 images)

A masked lieutenant salutes the crowd with his riding crop as he rides horseback in the Thoth parade on St. Charles Avenue in Uptown New Orleans March 6, 2011. Carnival season is under way in New Orleans with parades every day until Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, March 8. (UPI Photo/A.J. Sisco)

In their signature pink wigs, bustles and headdresses, members of a New Orleans women's marching group called the Pussyfooters show off their dance moves during the Thoth parade on St. Charles Avenue in Uptown New Orleans March 6, 2011. Carnival season is under way in New Orleans with parades every day until Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, March 8. (UPI Photo/A.J. Sisco)

A rider hands a toy spear to the crowd as spectators beg for trinkets during the Thoth parade on St. Charles Avenue in Uptown New Orleans March 6, 2011. Carnival season is under way in New Orleans with parades every day until Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, March 8. (UPI Photo/A.J. Sisco)

A rider prepares to throw a string of beads from a float during the Mid-City parade on St. Charles Avenue in Uptown New Orleans March 6, 2011. Carnival season is under way in New Orleans with parades every day until Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, March 8. (UPI Photo/A.J. Sisco)