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  mg-mardigrasjester1a.gif (24784 bytes)The part of Mardi Gras most people don't get to see has to do with the bal masque, better known as the Carnival Ball, held during the Carnival season. These are lavish, invitation-only affairs for members of the Krewes and the Social Elite of New Orleans. The Carnival season officially begins on January 6th, which is Twelfth Night, the Feast of the Epiphany. Twelfth Night is the date that marks the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of the countdown to Lent.


mg-maskdeco.gif (8580 bytes)There are two official celebrations that mark the beginning of Carnival: The bal masque of the Twelfth Night Revelers, and the ride of the Phunny Phorty Phellows along St. Charles Avenue. From January 6th on up to three weeks before Mardi Gras, Carnival organizations hold parties, dances and balls, mostly on weekends.


jomardi3.gif (7415 bytes)Carnival officially closes on Fat Tuesday with the meeting of the courts of Rex and Comus at the ball of the Mystick Krewe of Comus. At midnight  the police begin clearing the streets of the French Quarter.