By 2005 the Zulu parades were premiere Mardi Gras events with lavish floats. Gone was the raggedy pants parody of the original parade; the king and queen of Zulu reigned in elegant tuxedo and gown.

Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, is less than a month away. Here's what to know about the end of the vibrant ...

1837 – First recorded Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans. 1857 – First time floats appear in New Orleans parades. 1896 – The first female krewe, Les Mysterieuses, stages a ball but does not parade. 1916 ...