Mardi Gras in New Orleans (big photo gallery)

A mask of a member of the Mondo Kayo Social and Marching Club is seen as they march down St. Charles Avenue on Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, Louisiana March 8, 2011. (photos: REUTERS/Sean Gardner)

Members of the Mondo Kayo Social and Marching Club march down St. Charles Avenue on Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, Louisiana March 8, 2011.

Members of the Mondo Kayo Social and Marching Club march down St. Charles Avenue on Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, Louisiana March 8, 2011.

Members of the Krewe of Zulu march down St. Charles Avenue on Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, Louisiana March 8, 2011.

Members of the Krewe of Zulu march down St. Charles Avenue on Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, Louisiana March 8, 2011.

Members of the Krewe of Zulu march down St. Charles Avenue on Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, Louisiana March 8, 2011.

Members of the Krewe of Bacchus parade down St. Charles Avenue the weekend before Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, Louisiana March 6, 2011.

Members of the Krewe of Zulu march down St. Charles Avenue on Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, Louisiana March 8, 2011.