Mardi Gras, which began as a religious holiday, has become a weeks-long celebration, one that gives millions the chance to let loose before Lent.

Carnival Season typically starts after Epiphany on Jan. 6 and culminates on Ash Wednesday, which falls on March 5 this year.

The store offers an extensive Mardi Gras inventory including "all types of beads, trinkets, T-shirts and other items" for decoration and parade floats.

Carnival season means Fat Tuesday is coming soon. Here's when it is, what it means and when Ash Wednesday brings the start of ...

The festivities include parades throughout the historic French Quarter, as revelers eat king cakes and toss green, purple, and gold beads into the crowd. Mardi Gras, which began as a religious ...