Photos: Mardi Gras 2012 Photos: Before the Beads turned to Ashes in New Orleans
By M. Johanson | Feb 22, 2012 11:36 AM EDT
[PHOTOS] Police Officers on horseback cleared Bourbon Street early Wednesday declaring Mardi Gras 2012 officially over. As New Orleans' famous Carnival came to an end, Mardi Gras revelers prepared for the somber start of Lent and 40 days of penance before Easter Sunday.
But what a celebration it was.
In the 12 days leading up to Fat Tuesday, about one million people took to the streets of New Orleans, bringing an estimated $300 million in direct and indirect economic impact.
The bulk of visitors poured into the French Quarter and across the Big Easy over the weekend to revel in parades led by mythic royalty. The weather was even more cause for celebration: Mid 70s with partly cloudy skies.
Over the four-day weekend there was drinking, dancing, and King Cake eating. The streets were flooded with flamboyant costumes, frivolous floats, and frolicking late night flesh-flashers.
Indeed, the theme of the week was party. Hard, and often.
Have a look at the best of Mardi Gras 2012 below:
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Members of The North Side Skull and Bone Gang affix their masks on Mardi Gras day in New Orleans, Louisiana February 21, 2012.
Source: Reuters
A member of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club presides over a float during the Zulu Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana February 21, 2012.
Source: Reuters
Two women wearing large plastic buttocks talk with a friend during the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana February 21, 2012.
Source: Reuters
A reveler wearing tents as costume dances during Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans, Louisiana February 21, 2012.
Source: Reuters
Members of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club march in the Zulu Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana February 21, 2012.
Source: Reuters
A woman catches a coconut during the Zulu Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana February 21, 2012.
Source: Reuters
Members of the Muff-A-Lotta's performance troupe dance with pizza pans during the Orpheus Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana February 20, 2012.
Source: Reuters
A member of the Kolossus performance troupe rides a converted bicycle during the Orpheus Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana February 20, 2012.
Source: REUTERS / Lee Celano
Members of the 610 Stompers performance troupe perform during the Orpheus Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana February 20, 2012
Source: REUTERS
Singer Cyndi Lauper throws beads to spectators during the Orpheus Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana February 20, 2012.
Source: REUTERS / Lee Celano
The Treme Brass band leads the Red Beans and Rice Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana February 20, 2012.
Source: REUTERS / Lee Celano
A couple costumed in horse masks dance on Bourbon Street as part of the Mardi Gras celebration in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana February 20, 2012.
Source: REUTERS / Lee Celano
Children call for members of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club to throw coconuts during the Zulu Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana February 21, 2012.
Source: REUTERS
Members of REX march down St. Charles Avenue on Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Source: REUTERS
