Mardi Gras 2014: Beads, Booze and Bad Weather

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By Andrea Romano2014-03-04 22:30:12 UTC

The boisterous celebration of Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, began on Tuesday. Rowdy parade-goers from around the world flocked to New Orleans to party all day and night.

Despite pop culture's portrayal, Fat Tuesday isn't just about booze and plastic beads. The colorful festival is steeped in time-honored traditions; some of these customary rituals include eating pancakes, wearing colorful masks and electing a king of the Mardi Gras celebrations. It falls a day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent and a 40-day period of abstinence for Christians.

See also: 30 Stunning Images of Space

Mardi Gras is not only the last hurrah for those who observe the Lenten season, but also one of the few days of the year when absolutely anything goes. Despite the inclement weather in NOLA this year, the party continues to roll on throughout the evening.

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Topics: fat tuesday, mardi gras, new orleans, photography, Photos, Pics, U.S., US & World, Watercooler

Image: Sean Gardner/Getty Images