The annual Mardi Gras festival takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana, US, and is celebrated on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.
Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday", reflecting the practice of the last night of eating rich foods before the ritual sacrifices and fasting of the Lenten season.
The festival is known for its colourful parades, live music, street performances, and delicious food, which are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
The first Mardi Gras parade was held in New Orleans in 1837, and since then, it has grown into one of the biggest and most famous celebrations in the world.
The main event of Mardi Gras is the parade, featuring elaborate floats, marching bands, and costumed performers who throw beads, trinkets, etc to the crowds.
Each parade is organised by a different "krewe", which is a social club that designs and funds the floats and throws.
Mardi Gras throws are strings of beads or other trinkets passed out or thrown from the floats to spectators lining the streets.
During Mardi Gras, it is tradition to wear masks and costumes, and many people dress up as characters from mythology, history, or pop culture.
Mardi Gras season officially begins on January 6, which is known as Twelfth Night, and lasts until the day before Ash Wednesday.
The festival attracts millions of visitors to New Orleans each year, and it generates billions of dollars in revenue for the city's economy.
Despite its reputation, Mardi Gras is also a family-friendly event, and there are many activities and events that are suitable for children as well.