Members of the krewe of Rex parade down St. Charles Avenue on Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
A member of the Mahogany Blue Baby Dolls marches down St Charles Avene. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
Mardi Gras Day falls on Fat Tuesday is a celebration the Tuesday before the Christian holiday of Ash Wednesday. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
Mardi Gras revelers reach for beads during the krewe of Zulu parade. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
A costumed reveler strolls through the French Quarter. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
Rex, the King of Carnival, parades down St. Charles Avenue. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
Thousands of Mardi Gras revelers crowd Bourbon Street. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
The secret society Masque de la Mobile, formed in 1704,
paved the way for the current Mardi Gras krewes. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI |
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The white bull signifies the coming Lenten meat feast. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
A Zulu float rider throws a stuffed animal from a float. The
tradition of throws dates back to the early 1870s and can include beads, toys, cups and homemade trinkets. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI |
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The signature purple, green and gold colors
were selected by Rex, King of Carnival in 1892. Purple signifies justice, green stands for faith and gold for power. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI |
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Some krewes have "signature throws." The Zulu krewe is known for throwing coconuts and hand-decorated items. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
Members of the marching club Mondo Kayo parade in the French Quarter. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
In 1875, the governor of Louisiana signed the "Mardi Gras Act," which mad Fat Tuesday a legal holiday in the state. It is still observed today. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
