Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans

Sean Mason is up to his ears in Mardi Gras beads in New Orleans.  (Dan Anderson / EPA)

Ginger Colgan is swept off her feet by a marcher in the Krewe of Thoth parade in New Orleans.   (Dan Anderson / EPA)

A caged dancer rides a float in the Krewe of Tucks Parade in crowded downtown New Orleans.  (Dan Anderson / EPA)

A Mardi Gras reveler walks through the French Quarter of New Orleans.  (Sean Gardner / Getty Images)

“Beads! Beads!” the crowds on the street yell as the 32-float Krewe of Orpheus parade rolls uptown, led by celebrity monarch Quentin Tarantino.   (David Grunfeld / Associated Press)

Mardi Gras revelers throw beads to decorate the Queen Kong float as the Krewe of Bacchus parade rolls down Napoleon Avenue in New Orleans.  (Gerald Herbert / Associated Press)

Dancers march in the Krewe of Muses Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans.  (Gerald Herbert / Associated Press)

Paradegoers reach for beads thrown from floats during the Krewe of Bacchus Mardi Gras parade.  (Gerald Herbert / Associated Press)

Costumed participants get ready for the Red Beans parade to begin in New Orleans.  (Kathleen Flynn / Associated Press)