Mardi Gras in New Orleans
is the holiday of that is celebrated in all of Louisiana,
including the city of New Orleans. Celebrations are concentrated for about two weeks before and through
Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday (the start of lent in the Western Christian tradition).
Usually there is one major parade each day (weather permitting); many days have several large parades. The
largest and most elaborate parades take place the last five days of the Mardi Gras season. In the final
week, many events occur throughout New Orleans and surrounding communities, including parades and balls.
The parades in New Orleans
are organized by social clubs known as krewes; most follow
the same parade schedule and route each year. The earliest-established krewes were the Mistick Krewe of
Comus, the earliest, Rex, the Knights of Momus and the Krewe of Proteus. Several modern "super krewes" are
well known for holding large parades and events, such as the Krewe of Endymion (which is best known for
naming celebrities as grand marshals for their parades), the Krewe of Bacchus (similarly known for naming
celebrities as their Kings), as well as the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club—a predominantly African American
krewe. Float riders traditionally toss throws into the crowds. The most common throws are strings of
colorful plastic beads, doubloons, decorated plastic "throw cups", Moon Pies, and small inexpensive toys,
but throws can also include lingerie and more sordid items. Major krewes follow the same parade schedule and
route each year.
62nd Mayor of New Orleans
LaToya Cantrell (born April 3, 1972) is an American politician serving as the Mayor of New Orleans,
Louisiana, a post she has held since May 7, 2018. Cantrell, a Democrat, is the first black woman to hold the
post. Before becoming mayor, Cantrell represented District B on the New Orleans City Council from
2012–2018.
Early life and education Cantrell was born as LaToya Wilder in Los Angeles. She moved to
New
Orleans in 1990 to attend Xavier University of Louisiana, where she earned a BA in sociology. She attended
an executive training program at the Harvard Kennedy School.