new orleans

Following a color-themed Rex parade in 1892 that featured purple, green, and gold-colored floats themed around the concepts, the Rex organization retroactively declared that the three colors symbolized justice, power, and faith.

Chargrilled oysters at Acme Oyster House in New Orleans. Sizzling, chargrilled oysters saturated in an herb butter sauce, topped with a special blend of cheese.

In New Orleans, costumes and masks are frequently worn on Mardi Gras. Laws against concealing one's identity with a mask are suspended for Fat Tuesday.

The most common throws are strings of colorful plastic beads, doubloons (aluminum or wooden dollar-sized coins usually impressed with a krewe logo), decorated plastic "throw cups", Moon Pies, and small inexpensive toys, but throws can also include lingerie and more sordid items.

Oyster shots at ACME Oyster House in New Orleans. Established in 1910.

The food that really gets New Orleans through Mardi Gras (yes, bloody Marys count) - New Orleans Advocate The sound of the drum line marching closer isn’t the only rumbling you hear during Carnival in New Orleans. Getting to Fat Tuesday is hungry work. You need to eat. Appropriately enough...