As people head back to work Tuesday after the long holiday weekend, beads will be flying, crawfish boiling, and parades rolling in New Orleans as the city celebrates Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, marks the climax and end of the week-long Carnival season and a final chance for indulgence, feasting, and revelry before the Christian Lent period of sacrifice and reflection.
The joyous goodbye to Carnival always falls on the day before Ash Wednesday.
Among the final parades in Louisiana’s most populous city, which is world-famous for its Mardi Gras bash, is one hosted by the Zulu Social Aide & Pleasure Club.
Marchers and float riders in the Zulu parade wear African-inspired garb and toss “throws” — trinkets that include plastic beads, candy, doubloons, stuffed animals, cups, and toys.
