Mardi Gras parades in Jefferson Parish this year will head east — instead of west — along Veterans Memorial Boulevard, returning to their traditional route after several years.

The countdown is on for Mardi Gras on the Northshore! As carnival celebrations continue across Louisiana, residents in St. Tammany Parish are reveling in the Mardi Gras spirit. With Mardi Gras almost one week away,

Be on the lookout this Mardi Gras for a little extra star power in New Orleans as Shaquille O'Neal, "True Blood" star Rutina Wesley and others reign as celebrity monarchs in parades. Why it matters: Some will throw custom doubloons and swag.