Mardi Gras.

[sanmac]

Looks like they are gearing up for "Fat Tuesday" on March 1st. Wait until tonight...There'll be some real carousing: https://www.earthcam.com/usa/louisiana/neworleans/bourbonstreet/?cam=catsmeow2

[237SJ]

I never really liked it there. Stepping over puke on the sidewalk didn't really do it for me.

[douglas9401]

I've never been but the thought of unstable colonials full of drink shouting woohoo etc holds no appeal.

[sanmac]

It wouldn't interest me either, but it is interesting to watch especially later on.

[237SJ]

Yes, it probably will be. I like the US but they do tend to turn their attractions into TackyVille

[bednobs]

every time i look, people are either carrying, or being thrown from the balconies something that looks like a pearl necklace - whats that about?

[sanmac]

It seems that the tradition or custom of doing this back goes back to the origins of Mardi Gras. I read it a long time ago, but have really forgotten the reason. Just Google "mardi gras bead throwing". It's interesting to watch the City clean-up crews and all their equipment and techniques doing the clean-up of the street around 8am the following morning. (Their time is 6 hrs behind you in the UK)