The celebrations begin early on Mardi Gras. New Orleans revised schedule means Mardi Gras can fall on any Tuesday between February 3 and March 9 (depending on the date of Easter).
Celebrations are concentrated for about two weeks before and through Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras in French), also known asShrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. 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 season. In the final week of Carnival, many events large and small occur throughout New Orleans and surrounding communities. Neighboring communities also hold Carnival celebrations.