New Orleans was claimed for France by Pierre le Moyne, Sieur d’Iberbille, on March 3, 1699.  Coincidentally, that was also the date of Mardi Gras that year.  Iberville named the land and water nearby, Mardi Gras Point and Mardi Gras Bayou.  The settlers from France who followed continued the Carnival and Mardi Gras traditions as they had celebrated them in their home country.  Today, the traditions of Carnival and Mardi Gras parades, balls, and costumes have become quite an extravaganza.