The party kicked off Saturday afternoon with the Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade on the seawall.
More than 80 floats and 20 high school marching bands participated in the parade. Paradegoers enjoyed the perfect weather as they collected beads.
"Beautiful, beautiful. Everybody's so nice. We're having so much fun," spectator Susan Embree said.
"It's pretty awesome. I'm here after surgery, so I'm taking the pain just for Mardi Gras," spectator Laura Mitchell said.
There will be more parades on the seawall next weekend. Those parades are free.
There are also parades, parties and live music in the Uptown Entertainment District. General admission to the entertainment district is $17.
___________________________________________________________
Take ABC13 with you!
Download our free apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry devices
