New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell marked the beginning of her first Carnival season as mayor on this King's Day.
The mayor noted that Mardi Gras is for everyone.
"It's a time, as we enter in King's Day and celebrate it...it's a time of understanding that we are together. It's a time to love, to live, to celebrate. And, that's why it's really tied to 12 days after the Christmas season, the birth of Jesus. And, now it's those three wise men bringing those gifts to baby Jesus and understanding that we have a responsibility to live, to love and to serve."
Cantrell said her first Mardi Gras as mayor "is an awesome responsibility, wanting to uphold the rich traditions of the City of New Orleans."
"I am on a journey and I'm passing through. This city is 300 hundred years old, and it means that in this 301st year that we are embarking upon, I have this responsibility to serve, to uplift the community and City of New Orleans, uniting it around growth and prosperity for all people. And, Mardi Gars is a symbol of that, in my opinion....that togetherness, how we love how we come tog and it's a spirit that's in the air always during the season of Carnival."
The Krewes of Rex and Zulu helped kick off the season by unveiling their posters and cutting the 1st king cake.
Kings and Queens from krewes all over the city were represented.
