Photo copyright NewOrleansOnline.com.

Happy Mardi Gras to our blog readers!

Did you know?
- The first Mardi Gras parade was held in New Orleans on February 24, 1857 by the Krewe of Comus. They began the tradition of presenting a parade with floats and following it with a ball for the krewe and their guests.

- Krewes are the organizations that put together the parades and balls that are traditionally held on Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday). They're also the ones generally on the floats throwing beads or candy.

- The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold. Purple stands for justice, green for faith, and gold for power.

If you're in New Orleans for Mardi Gras or want to know more about the history of Marti Gras and Carnival, you can find more information on all the events going on here. Or check out the Wikipedia article.