Mardi Gras gives people the opportunity to celebrate before the Lenten season, where people become more disciplined and give up habits for 40 days.

Severe weather is threatening the celebrations in New Orleans, causing parade cancellations amid safety concerns.

The good times and parades still rolled in New Orleans for Mardi Gras Day celebrations early Tuesday, ahead of expected severe winds, thunderstorms and warnings of tornados in the afternoon. Carnival ...