Heavy winds headed for New Orleans on Fat Tuesday appear poised to cancel two of the city's climactic Carnival events, the Zulu and Rex parades, after officials said they would stop the parades from rolling if the forecast worsened.

Mardi Gras gives people the opportunity to celebrate before the Lenten season, where many give up habits for 40 days. Here's a closer look.

Hold onto your hats and costumed headpieces on Fat Tuesday – winds between 35 mph and 50 mph are expected all day.