Carnival parades are held only on the 12 days prior to Mardi Gras.  The parades in New Orleans are known for the crowd participation.  Unlike other parades, the crowds do not sit and watch the floats go by, rather they become a part of the parade.  Throws are tossed from the floats to the crowd.  Throws are gifts such as beads, doubloons, small dolls, plastic cups, Frisbees, and even stuffed animals.

Costumes are created and worn depicting the mythological, historical, or modern theme chosen by each krewe.  Carnival and Mardi Gras costumes both illustrate a well-known character, idea or object, and disguise the identity of the wearer.  Themes of the past have included Greek and Roman historical events and modern picture films.