An observer once said that the citizens of New Orleans are either having a party, recuperating from a party, or planning a party. The biggest and best party of all and the city's most famous celebration is Mardi Gras, the greatest free show on earth. Mardi Gras dates back to 1837 when the first street parade took place.

The Mardi Gras or Carnival season officially begins on January 6th or the "Twelfth Night" or also known to Christians as the "Epiphany" with the first of nearly 100 private masked balls. This is a time of celebration, exchanging gifts and feasting. The dazzling Mardi Gras parades feature marching bands and elaborate paper mache floats with maskers tossing trinkets, beads and doubloons to the crowds. Epiphany comes from a Greek word that means to show."

On Mardi Gras Day, the day before Ash Wednesday, the largest and longest parades are held. Rex, King of Carnival, is a prominent businessman, chosen by secret committee. His Queen is always a debutante of the current season. On Mardi Gras day, everyone joins in the costuming, young and old alike, resident and tourist.

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