One of the most fascinating things to do during this season is attend a Bal Masqué . The different krewes all have their own style , with most of them only allowing invited guests admittance . Some of the balls are traditional with their royal tableaus being presented to the audience with pomp and fanfare ; then there are the fun , throwdown parties done by the Super-Krewes , where guests may purchase tickets to attend . Our LGBTQ + community ’ s balls are probably the most popular of them all and known for their outlandish and over-the-top costumes . Organizations such as Armeinius , Amon-Ra , Petronius and Lords of Leather host major tableaus with festive themes , glittering outfits and entertaining shows . Mardi Gras day offers so many different ways to enjoy yourself . Whether you are on a balcony on Bourbon Street , at the parade route Uptown or watching the horse races at the New Orleans Fairgrounds Race Course , you can be assured to have a great time . Mardi Gras officially wraps up at midnight on Fat Tuesday , when police on horseback roll down Bourbon Street clearing the area , followed by garbage trucks picking up the remnants of the day ’ s party .
Krewe of Armeinius Image by Barrett DeLong-Church www . FrenchQuarterly . com Holiday 2021 | 9