Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Floats line up for the Bacchus Mardi Gras parade Photograph: Julie Dermansky/Corbis A couple in horse masks dance on Bourbon Street Photograph: Lee Celano/Reuters A participant dressed as a baby doll dances to the Treme Brass band during the Red Beans and Rice parade Photograph: Lee Celano/Reuters The Krewe of Tucks parade drives through the streets of New Orleans Photograph: Bill Haber/AP Actor and comedian Will Ferrell reigns as king in the 2012 Krewe of Bacchus parade Photograph: Erika Goldring/FilmMagic Flame bearers march along side the Captain's float Photograph: Bill Haber/AP Queen Kong, a signature float in the 2012 Krewe of Bacchus parade, rolls down Napolean Avenue Photograph: Erika Goldring/FilmMagic Andy García rides on a float in the Bacchus parade as an honorary guest Photograph: Julie Dermansky/Corbis Flame bearers with the Orpheus parade Photograph: Lee Celano/Reuters Musician Bret Michaels rides on a float with the Krewe of Orpheus Photograph: Julie Dermansky/Corbis Actors Mariska Hargitay and Hillary Swank ride on a float with the Krewe of Orpheus Photograph: Julie Dermansky/Corbis