We asked on Facebook: How do you celebrate Mardi Gras?

I have for years gone to Fish Tales with a huge group of friends, ate dinner and then watched the parades. Always a winner of the evening and the best viewing spot on the boulevard.

– Leona Pleasant

I am king of Krewe of Gambrinus this year! So exciting — I’ve been on the Royal Court for four years waiting for this!

– J. Roy Hall

Photo by Jennifer Reynolds

On the first weekend — what we have all considered the more family-friendly weekend — we set up our camper on the lot across from the Fort Crockett apartments with several of our friends from church and have an all-day block party, complete with yard games, fire pits, a massive amount of food and plenty of beverages. The second weekend, we’ll park for the evening parade somewhere near 25th Street and trek to any open location and pop a squat for the parade, then head home as quickly as we can to avoid the late-night madness!

– Ron Wooten

I decorate and love the parades. It’s always a tradition to go or be in the opening Aquarius parade and watch the Momus parade the following Saturday. Love the pet parade, used to be in it, now we watch it. Also, the golf cart is another favorite. Don’t really partake in the parties anymore, but they are always a good time.

– Kell Bell

With wild abandon … and king cake!

– Holly Thorson

Fat Tuesday locals only parade with my brother.

– Gina Fullen

Krewe of Gambrinus!

– Jennie S. Latham

Rao’s King Cake, zydeco music, crawfish and muffalettas!

– Concetta Ann Maceo

My sisters, Brenda and Charlotte, and I love to pretend we’re little girls again running on the seawall. Now, we get to catch beads.

– Wanda McWhorter Huddleston

Our fav part is to be a part of the Special People’s Ball that is held at Moody Gardens (of course dress as pirates, pass out beads, dance, take pics and put smiles on all their faces). And, of course, enjoy the many parades and libations.

– Nita Andrews Reid