MARDI GRAS IN NEW ORLEANS

Parade Photos & Carnival News

Keith I. Marszalek / NOLA.comNew Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin addresses an audience gathered at Gallier Hall, Tuesday, January 6, 2009. The Mayor, along with dignitaries from the Krewes of Rex and Zulu, ushered in Twelfth Night, the official start of the 2009 Carnival season, with a King Cake party.More photos from the event »

In a city that relishes pageantry and its unique cultural traditions, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin this morning officially launched the 2009 Carnival season in grand style, with the Treme brass band roaring through Gallier Hall as Mardi Gras Indians danced before a crammed room of city officials, business leaders and carnival organizers.

Mayor Ray Nagin will kick off the Carnival season today with the city's annual King Cake Party at 10 a.m. at Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Ave.

Nagin will be joined by members of the New Orleans City Council, Carnival krewe captains and convention and tourism officials.

A doubloon from the Krewe of Rex.

A half-century ago, when H. Alvin Sharpe told his family that he was going to design coins for riders to throw from Carnival floats, the reaction was hardly supportive.

"We thought he was nuts," said John E. Celestin Jr., Sharpe's son-in-law.

But Sharpe persevered. He made aluminum models that he took to the office of Darwin Fenner, the captain of the Rex organization who also was a partner in the august investment firm of Merrill Lynch, Pierce Fenner & Smith.

Jon C. Donley / NOLA.comPhunny Phorty Phellows celebrants ring in the new Carnival season on Twelfth Night.

With Christmas and New Year celebrations safely behind us, it's time to focus our sights on Carnival season. This week we usher in all things purple, green and gold with a celebration of 100 years of Zulu, King Cakes, the Phunny Phorty Phellows, Benny Grunch and the Bunch and Bo Dollis and the Wild Magnolias.

Also, the Mahalia Jackson Theater reopens this week with an all-star lineup up of local musicians, renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman and performances from the San Fransisco and New York Ballets.

Both Celine Dion and Lil Wayne headline shows at the Arena and in the clubs, Tipitina's salutes Southern troubadours and d.b.a. spotlights Glen David Andrews.

NOLA.com file photo

Even though most markets around town jump the gun each year, King Cakes officially hit grocery and bakery shelves January 6.

And, as is the case with most foods in New Orleans, the debate as to which variety is best will never end.

Are you a Randazzo's fan? Or maybe it's Gambino's? Let us know by posting your favorites in our public dining blog.