There is no general theme for Mardi Gras but each individual parade depicts a specific subject. The floats then reflect the krewe's theme for that year. Maskers are costumed in a manner that illustrates the overall parade theme and the individual float title. The themes depicted by the nearly 2000 Mardi Gras parades staged in New Orleans since 1857 have ranged from the more popular subjects of history, children's stories, legends, geography to reality based and entertainment related. The carnivals follow a standard format. The carnival commences with the Captain making the first entry on a special float, in a convertible or on horseback. Next come the officers, the king or queen, and in some parades, the maids and dukes, followed by the title float and the floats that carry riding members. An 18-float procession of a 200-member krewe may feature more than 75 units.

When band members, dance groups, posses, clown units and motorcycle squadrons are all added up, it in not uncommon for the number of participants to total more than 3,000. Food is a major part of this unique celebration of peace and love. You will enjoy feasting on the scrumptious local fare. This fare is inclusive of plenty of traditional and delectable Creole foods of jambalaya, gumbo, scrumptious shrimp Creole and rice. These delicacies are found in every restaurant in New Orleans. One Mardi Gras delicacy is the King Cake, a rich pastry that is decorated with a sugary icing in the Mardi Gras Colors of purple, green, and gold. Each cake contains one small plastic baby, and the person who finds the baby in his or her piece must host the next party. It's just another quirky tradition of the season. This spectacular celebration is marked by the enthusiastic participation of French royals, feather-covered showgirls, Energizer bunnies, painted clowns and masked lions. By dawn on that most famous Tuesday, people have claimed the best spots on the streets to watch fabulous floats, and outrageous performers.

In the mood for some sportive action..? Then you will enjoy being spectator to the Upcoming Super Bowl Classic. It is one of college football's major bowl games, dating from 1935. will be held January 1, 2003 onwards at the Louisiana Superdome- 7:30 p.m. Since 1995, Finland-based Nokia has been the title sponsor of the game. While the game is the high-point of the New Year's Eve festivities, Sugar Bowl events also include a prep football classic, a swimming invitations, a sailing regatta, and a basketball classic. Louisiana Superdome, 1500 Poydras St. Call 877-997-8427 for reservations.

If you're a fine lover of fine performing arts then book your seats fore a first-class magical performance of theater, dance, concert and individual performances. These will be held at The Contemporary Arts Center. The performing arts shows will be held throughout the festive month of December.
Call 504-528-3800 or 504-528-3805 for reservations and information.

Be there at The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival for a delightful treat to the creative world of theatrical productions, musical events, readings, and literary walking tours. The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival celebrates its 17th anniversary, March 26-30, 2003. There will be several theatre offering including the splendid performances based on Williams's plays-The Rose Tattoo, Small Craft Warnings, Vieux Carre, and the Laurelgrove Theatre's production of Lament for the Moths: A Dramatization of the Lost Poems of Tennessee Williams. Additional attractions include the annual Drummer & Smoke music event, a variety of walking tours, a poetry slam, the Tennessee Williams Scholars Conference and a book fair. Don't miss the Stanley and Stella Shouting Contest.

The main venue is Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, 616 St. Peter St., French Quarter.
Call 800-965-4827 or 504-299-8932 for reservations.

Be there for a mind-blowing musical extravaganza at the French Quarter Festival, New Orleans from 11th to 13th of April. You will be delighted to tune into the rhythm of jazz, contemporary brass bands, classical Cajun, gospel and New Orleans funk. You will also enjoy feasting on the delightful food served here at the Festival. Don't forget to view the spectacular display of fireworks over the Mississippi River as you tune into some soulful music. Call 504-522-5730 for more details.