If you're going to New Orleans for Mardi Gras read up on the parades and map out a plan that doesn't have you racing all over the city.
Mardi Gras —
Don't pick up beads off the ground; they're often broken and you're likely to get pelted with throws from the next float.
Mardi Gras —
The Mardi Gras season is a family celebration. Ladder seating provides kids with clear views of the parades rolling by.
Mardi Gras —
Get into the Mardi Gras spirit with an outrageous costume or mask.
Mardi Gras revelers —
Elaborate costumes and floats are planned all year long by the teams, or krewes, responsible for organizing the parades. Here the Krewe of Zulu rolls in a parade during 2012 Mardi Gras festivities.