Fat Tuesday: Mardi Gras celebrations around the country - watch a live feed from the parades

 Enlarge The Associated Press Actor Will Ferrell reigns as Bacchus XLIV for the Krewe of Bacchus parade on Napoleon Ave. in New Orleans on Sunday, Feb.19, 2012. Ferrell has been in New Orleans since November, filming a movie recently renamed "The Campaign." (AP Photo/The Times-Picayune Matthew Hinton)

It is that time of the year again: Mardi Gras.
Celebrations are happening all over the place but, the biggest parades and festivities are in New Orleans.
As a well known party destination, celebrities are already showing up to take part in the fun. People have already seen actor Will Ferrell as Bacchus XLIV for the Krewe of Bacchus parade. Other notable names include actress Mariska Hargitay, actress Hilary Swank, musician/ reality TV star Bret Michaels and actress Patricia Clarkson.
One interesting aspect of Mardi Gras are the “Indians.” There are around 40 tribes that collect and participate in the parades during Mardi Gras. The most notable thing about them are their giant “suits.” These “suits” are hand made out of feathers, beads, and a whole lot of colorful thread. Some say their “best experience each year is donning the suit.” Learn more about the Mardi Gras Indians with this story.
Take a look through the gallery to see the beginnings of the Mardi Gras celebrations or watch it live on streaming video below.
For more news check out our sister site nola.com. You can check out breaking news stories on Mardi Gras, stories about history of the event, parade routes and times. You can even listen to a radio station made up entirely of Mardi Gras inspired music.


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