February 15, 2010 10:20 AM- Mardi Gras, the Carnival celebrations during Epiphany that ends on the day before Ash Wednesday, is all about merry making and having sumptuous food before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which starts on Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras, meaning 'Fat Tuesday' in French, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is one of the most famous Carnival celebrations in the world. It is the most waited for season of parades, balls, masquerade balls, and king cake parties. The parades in New Orleans are organized by Carnival krewes and these Krewe float riders toss throws to the crowds. The most common throws of the carnival season includes strings of colorful plastic beads that have become famous world over by the name mardi gras beads, doubloons (aluminum or wooden dollar-sized coins usually impressed with a krewe logo), decorated plastic throw cups, and small inexpensive toys.

The largest and most elaborate parades of New Orleans Mardi Gras that take place in the last five days of the season, are on (Ash Wednesday in 2010 is on 17th February). In this final week of Mardi Gras Carnival, many large and small events are set to occur throughout New Orleans and surrounding communities. Major krewes follow the same parade schedule and route each year. Know about the New Orleans Mardi Gras 2010 Parades