Economy Can't Spoil Mardi Gras

(NEWSER) - Seven people, one of them a toddler, were shot in New Orleans today as they watched a Mardi Gras parade, police say. Two men are listed in serious condition, reports the Times-Picayune, and all of the victims appeared to be innocent bystanders. Police chased down and arrested two suspects, ages 18 and 20, the Times-Picayune notes. It's not clear what set off the shooting. More»

Traditional Fat Tuesday festivities more Super than usual

(NEWSER) - The fleur-de-lis symbol of the hometown Saints was much in evidence during New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebrations, which, despite what the Times-Picayune describes as “artic air,” were even merrier than ever as the Big Easy continued to fete the NFL team’s Super Bowl victory. Indeed, one reveler echoed what might have been the most common complaint of those looking to dress up for the day: “It was very hard to find Saints memorabilia.” More»

Well, usually it's StreetcarCam, but come Carnival season...

(NEWSER) - For all those who can't make it down to New Orleans for Mardi Gras this year, the Times-Picayune has a solution: ParadeCam. Most of the year the camera that films the intersection of Napoleon Street and St. Charles Avenue is called StreetcarCam, but come Fat Tuesday...voila, a remote feed from a popular viewing spot. Click here to view the revelry happening at that location and others: The BourboCam shows the Bourbon Street party beginning at 4pm. More»

Thousands jam parade route for Super Bowl champs

(NEWSER) - A week ahead of Fat Tuesday, aka Mardi Gras, the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints celebrated "Dat Tuesday." Carnival floats carrying players, coaches and team owner Tom Benson rolled past tens of thousands of members of "Who Dat" nation in a victory parade. The Mardi Gras-flavored parade includes 12 marching bands and one float each from 10 krewes. Quarterback Drew Brees and other players were throwing beads into the crowds as confetti floated in the air. One float carried an oversized replica of the Super Bowl trophy. More»

Streets of New Orleans fill with celebrating fans

(NEWSER) - Music filled the air and Saints fans filled the streets tonight as New Orleans celebrated the hometown team's first Super Bowl victory. Jubilant supporters shook off the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and started Carnival-style revelry a week and a half before Mardi Gras. "You can't describe it. It's so awesome. We've been waiting for this for years," one fan told the AP . "It's means so much to the city. They're back. They're alive." More»