Chowing down on jambalaya as street musicians and parade floats cruise by is a part of the  party known as Mardi Gras.
     In New Orleans, Louisiana, the festival begins the day after Ash Wednesday. People from all over the country travel to the Big Easy to experience the city come to life with music and dancing.
     Green, gold, and purple cover the city during Mardi Gras. Each of these colors represent a strong meaning to Louisiana, where purple means justice, green means faith, and gold signifies power. These colors can be expressed when the Louisiana natives and tourists wear masks, costumes, banners, and beads.
      Mardi Gras lasts for about two weeks in the city that loves to have a good time. Parade floats course through the streets of New Orleans as people crowd around them and walk alongside fellow party-goers. Beads and others trinkets are thrown into the sea of people as the music plays on through the night.
    Also known as Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras is a time for people of all ages to come together and enjoy themselves as they dance to the music. Even children are able to get involved in the festivities. Schools in New Orleans get off of school on Fat Tuesday and join the party.