Mardi Gras rages in New Orleans today as the famous party city marks the last day of the Mardi Gras season before the start of Lent.
On this Shrove Tuesday, the weather is warm and sunny, and many residents and visitors to the city are celebrating the city’s festive traditions, some of which have been cherished for hundreds of years.
Street festivals and parades meander through the city’s historic French Quarter, down Bourbon Street and into the city’s residential areas.
Revelers danced on balconies and watched the St Anne Parade.
Virtually everyone was dressed in colorful outfits, many in special costumes ranging from mushrooms and chefs to the Chinese spy balloon.
Revelers in fancy, colorful costumes and what appear to be alcoholic beverages party in the streets during the La Societe de Saint Anne Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans revelers parade through French Quarter streets dressed as Chinese spy balloons on Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras participants look out over the St Anne Parade on February 21, 2023
Revelers in traditional purple, green and gold took to the streets on Tuesday morning for back-to-back parades.
The celebrations begin at dawn when the North Side Skill & Bone gang, dressed in skeleton outfits, stir up the Treme neighborhood to remind everyone of their own mortality.
After that, the motto of the day is “Let the good times roll” and there are parties in almost every corner of the city.
At midnight there is a ceremonial evacuation from Bourbon Street as the festive season officially comes to an end. It officially started on January 6 – the 12th day after Christmas, known as King’s Day.
To keep crowds under control and prioritize safety, the New Orleans Police Department expanded this year with 125 state troopers and an additional 170 law enforcement officers from across the state.
Five people, including a young girl, were shot dead at around 9.30pm on Sunday night during carnival celebrations.
One person was arrested at the scene, but the shooter’s motives remain unclear.
Three men and two women were wounded in the shooting, police said. One of the victims was a young girl. All five victims were taken to a local hospital, one in critical condition and four in the stable.
The parade of the Krewe of Bacchus, an annual carnival tradition, was temporarily halted as police cordoned off part of the area in search of evidence.
The police said two Weapons were seized after the suspect was arrested.
Lent is the last day of the Carnival season before Ash Wednesday, when Lent begins
King Steven LaChute rolls dice as the lobsters of Argus rolls with the theme “Argus is Golden” during his 50th birthday on Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Queen Allison Langhetee waves as the Krewe of Argus rolls to the theme ‘Argus is Golden’ on her 50th birthday on Tuesday 21 February 2023
A float driver throws beads during Tuesday morning’s Krewe of Argus parade
The Mande Milkshakers perform on Tuesday 21 February 2023 during its 50th birthday as Argus’ Krewe rolls to the theme ‘Argus is Golden’.
Revelers fill Bourbon Street under the balcony of the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Mardi Gras. Advertisements for nipple glitter and makeup can be seen in the crowd
Said signs near Bourbon Street
A child sits on the shoulders of a man and grabs a piece of jewelry during the Krewe of Argus 50th anniversary parade Tuesday in New Orleans
Kole from Mondo Kayo march through the streets during the French Quarter
A member of the Zulu Krewe marches through the streets on Tuesday morning as part of the popular parade
7 A member of the public poses for a photo with a member of the Krewe of Zulu as they march through the streets as part of Mardi Gras celebrations on Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana, the United States, 21 February 2023
The Zulu krewe march through the streets as part of Shrove Tuesday
A woman dances in the street as part of Mondo Kayo during the Mardi Gras, or Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans
Avant-garde fashion shows are always on display during the week-long party, which culminated on Tuesday
People in costume sit on a float at the 2023 Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club parade during a Mardi Gras parade. Zulu Krewe and the Social Club is one of the best established krewes that still marches every year
Revelers catch beads from a float at the 2023 Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club parade during a Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 21, 2023
A float driver tosses festive trinkets during the Krewe of Argus parade
Shot of revelers catching beads while standing on the edge of a parade
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was caught on video tossing the bird to a crowd of passing revelers the weekend before Tuesday’s culminating celebration.
The short clip shows the 50-year-old Democratic leader cheering from the halls of downtown Gallier Hall, appearing to support the Krewe of Tucks parade, before raising her middle finger to the crowd.
The mayor seems to shout to the cars that pass her, “I love you. God bless you. I’ll see you. Happy Carnival. Enjoy your ride. Glad your ride was so good. Love you.”
It’s unclear exactly what prompted Cantrell’s rude reaction, and a mayor’s office statement issued Sunday night said: “Carnival is a time when satire and jokes are at their best. The city enjoys a safe and healthy Mardi Gras and look forward to continuing the celebrations at Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras.”
Cantrell has faced a wave of criticism in recent months, including for using $30,000 in taxpayer money on first-class tickets to Europe.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
