With rain in the forecast, Carnival krewes have traded the rain dance for the schedule shuffle. NOPD announced that parades on Sunday and Monday are set to move up their parading times, with no changes planned for Fat Tuesday festivities.

by Brandon Robert and Helen Young

Bounties and beauty converged on the main drag of Mardi Gras Friday night. The Krewe of Hermes once again set the bar for float design and execution high, with their parade of "The Theatrical Baroque." Meanwhile, Le Krewe d'Etat went to the Dictator's Reading Room for a series of satirical spins, while Morpheus went to the movies.

Like parade-goers, the skies over New Orleans were a little hazy on Saturday morning. But this year's Endymion ride looks set to go off without an umbrella or poncho, and the same goes for today's Uptown parades. Temperatures are expected to hover in the mid-60s, with a chance of rain at a slim 10 percent. Click for more.

The Krewe of Tucks knows the importance of brushing.

by Sarah Esenwein

Club Whatever, this ain't. Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman wants all to know that there is a special place for all those who commit the Carnival sins of public urination, belligerent public drunkenness, destruction of property, skipping a tab, and other Mardi Gras misdemeanors: the booking bus.

There's little time to nurse a Muses hangover, as Carnival parades get cracking once again down St. Charles Ave. on Friday night. Look for the award-winning splendor of Hermes, the biting satire of Le Krewe d'Etat and the co-ed conviviality of Morpheus. Details and route info:

In the Carnival edition of Big Easy Bites, Jennifer Abbott explores eating options for hungry parade goers.

by Sarah Esenwein

The Mystic Krewe of Nyx made their second ride down St. Charles last night, retaking their place as New Orleans’ newest addition to the Carnival season.  The all-female krewe assembled first at Generations Hall for food, fun, drink, and a float-member skit contest.  Then came the culmination of 11 months of planning by Krewe Captain Julie Lea and her Board of Directors: a dazzling parade down St. Charles, and party into the night.

Fussy street cleaners and sirens signal the end of Thursday parades, but once the krewes stop rolling the party really gets in gear.  There’s no better way to kick off Mardi Gras madness than with some pre-weekend Carnival crooners and old New Orleans favorites.  

Photos by Katherine Hogan and Brandon Robert

Last night's Krewes put an end to the parade pause, and streets were teeming with revelers. Druids' "Phobias," theme was a success, and the ladies of Nyx dazzled crowds with their generous throws. If you had to miss the parades for any reason, you can still get a glimpse of all the floats, marching krewes, bands, and people on the route. Click for photos.