Photos: Mardi Gras celebrations kickoff in New Orleans as London holds annual Pancake Day race

Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday signifies the peak and conclusion of the extended Carnival season, providing an opportunity for celebration before the Christian Lent.

Published on: Feb 17, 2026 9:06 PM IST

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Revelers take part in the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 15, 2026. (Photo by Sandy HUFFAKER / AFP) (AFP)

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Competitors take part in an annual Pancake Day race, a tradition on Shrove Tuesday, at Leadenhall Market in London on February 17, 2026. In the Christian calendar, Shrove Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, is the feast before the fast of Lent, also celebrated in Britain as Pancake Day. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) (AFP)

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Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees grand marshalls the Krewe of Bacchus as it rolls down St. Charles Avenue during Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 15, 2026. (Photo by Sandy HUFFAKER / AFP) (AFP)

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Krewe of Bacchus rolls down St. Charles Avenue during Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 15, 2026. (Photo by Sandy HUFFAKER / AFP) (AFP)

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Krewe of Bacchus rolls down St. Charles Avenue during Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 15, 2026. (Photo by Sandy HUFFAKER / AFP) (AFP)

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Actor Anthony Mackie rides on top of a float during the Krewe of Bacchus Mardi Gras parade, in New Orleans, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. (Chris Granger/The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate via AP) (AP)

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Attendees march during the annual Krewe of Bacchus parade during the Mardi Gras season on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, in New Orleans. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP) (Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

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Mardi Gras art mimics life as former Saint's quarterback Drew Brees, left, looks like the float statue that he was riding next to during the Krewe of Bacchus parade, in New Orleans, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. (Chris Granger/The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate via AP) (AP)

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2026 winner Amanda Shaw participates in the annual Greasing of the Poles at Royal Sonesta during the Mardi Gras season on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, in New Orleans. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP) (Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

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The Mardi Gras Indians participate in the annual Greasing of the Poles at Royal Sonesta during the Mardi Gras season on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, in New Orleans. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP) (Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

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Attendees march during the annual Krewe of Oshun parade during the Mardi Gras season on Friday, Feb 6, 2026, in New Orleans. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP) (Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

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Attendees march during the annual Legion of Mars parade during the Mardi Gras season on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in New Orleans. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP) (Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

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Special guest Drew Brees rides on a float during the annual Krewe of Bacchus parade during the Mardi Gras season on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, in New Orleans. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP) (Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

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Attendees march during the annual Krewe of Tucks parade during the Mardi Gras season on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, in New Orleans. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP) (Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

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National guard soldiers keep watch during the annual Krewe de Cork parade during the Mardi Gras season on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in New Orleans. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP) (Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

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Attendees participate in the annual Krewe of Hermes Parade during the Mardi Gras season on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, in New Orleans. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP) (Amy Harris/Invision/AP)