For Mardi Gras 2024, expect new rules and a new parade

Yes, but: This season is fairly short at just six weeks, which means a higher likelihood of a chilly season and a condensed time frame to enjoy king cake and get costumes finished.

What's happening: Mardi Gras is, as always, tradition-steeped, but New Orleans has a few new things on tap for the season.

• A new parade will march through the French Quarter. Krewe Mosaïque will roll Jan. 13 at 6pm, beginning at Armstrong Park and ending 12 blocks later at the Ursuline Convent.
• See the full parade schedule.

New Mardi Gras laws are also in effect this season after New Orleans City Council made some edits to the ordinances governing the annual revelry.

• One rule change requires that parade krewes only throw "plain or unadorned beads" unless they also feature identifying characteristics, logos or words specific to the krewe.
• Parades are also now capped at 34 floats and can only officially stop three times.

• Only paper confetti cannons — not mylar ones — will be allowed on floats, after one hit a power line in 2023 and caused a power outage.

What's next: Local bakeries are ramping up production to begin king cake sales and parades begin Saturday.

• First up is the Krewe of Confetti Kids in Algiers Point, a free, family-friendly parade intended for kids' participation.
• Then, Joan of Arc and the Société des Champs Elysees roll in the French Quarter that night.
• The Phunny Phorty Phellows and the Funky Uptown Krewe will also hit the St. Charles streetcar line.