As the sun rose in New Orleans, rows of parade-goers already lined the street. People set up chairs, coolers, grills and ladders — offering a higher vantage point to catch the eye of float riders throwing glimmering plastic beads to revelers. Mardi Gras is also known as Fat Tuesday. It falls on the day before Ash Wednesday. The big bash marks the end of Carnival season and a final chance for indulgence and revelry before the Christian Lent period of sacrifice and reflection. New Orleans has the nation’s largest and best-known celebration. Parade-goers will line the streets hoping to catch beads, toys and trinkets unique to each parade.
