Celebrations for Mardi Gras, a.k.a. Fat Tuesday, took off early Monday with the annual Orpheus Parade through New Orleans' French Quarter. The spectacle is filled with colorful costumes, imaginative floats and magical performances. Singer Cyndi Lauper, along with former Poison frontman Bret Michaels, presided over this year's parade as celebrity monarchs.
Flambeaus, or flame bearers, provide light for the Orpheus Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana February 20, 2012.REUTERSA horseman waves to spectators during the the Orpheus Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana February 20, 2012.REUTERSMusicians play brass instruments during the Orpheus Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana February 20, 2012.REUTERSSinger Cyndi Lauper throws beads to spectators during the Orpheus Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana February 20, 2012. REUTERSA member of the Music Box performance troupe leads a procession during the Orpheus Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana February 20, 2012.REUTERSA drum major for the St. Augustine Marching 100, a local high school marching band, leads the band during the Orpheus Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana February 20, 2012.REUTERSMembers of the 610 Stompers performance troupe perform during the Orpheus Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana February 20, 2012.REUTERSStolen Degas Painting Found On Bus Near ParisUnified Hockey Team Can Change People's Impressions Says CoachA participant dressed as a baby doll dances to the Treme Brass band during the Red Beans and Rice Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana February 20, 2012. REUTERSThe Treme Brass band leads the Red Beans and Rice Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana February 20, 2012.REUTERSA 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. REUTERSKamaya Walters of Atlanta, Georgia grabs beads as part of the Mardi Gras celebration in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana February 20, 2012.REUTERS
