Mardi Gras is all about having these moments. This city is like nowhere else in the country right now,” said Kendall Calyen, 41, marveling at the 200-year-old tradition unfolding before his eyes. Thousands of revelers adorned in beads and outlandish costumes were filling the streets as New Orleans prepared to celebrate just ahead of severe storms.

Thousands of revelers in outlandish costumes filled the streets of New Orleans as the city celebrated Mardi Gras Day despite the threat of storms