Overview
- Fat Tuesday is today, Feb. 17, with parades rolling in New Orleans, including Zulu at 8 a.m. and Rex at 10:30 a.m., according to Mardi Gras New Orleans.
- Additional processions span the region, from Elks Orleans and Crescent City in the city to Argus in Metairie, Covington’s Lions Club, Folsom’s krewe, and appearances by the Mardi Gras Indians.
- Zulu riders toss coveted hand‑decorated coconuts alongside beads and trinkets, and masking, king cake, and the purple‑green‑gold palette formalized by Rex in 1892 define the celebration.
- The Carnival season began Jan. 6 on Epiphany and ends tonight before Ash Wednesday on Feb. 18 ushers in the 40‑day Lenten period.
- Louisiana recognizes Mardi Gras as a state holiday and the celebrations draw major crowds, with parallel traditions such as the Cajun Courir de Mardi Gras and events in Mobile, Galveston, and St. Louis.