The city of New Orleans closed St. Charles Avenue headed Uptown at Calliope Street on Friday to erect safety barriers ahead of the height of Carnival season. Friday's parades will kick off the first big weekend before Mardi Gras. Residents signed up for emergency notifications from the city were sent a message alerting them to the street closure.

Following the deadly January 1st attack on Bourbon Street, NOLA Public Schools is now prioritizing safety for high school bands marching in parades during Mardi Gras season.

As a group, the first weekend parades really don’t get the publicity or critical acclaim they deserve. And while none rivals the size of Endymion or Bacchus or the grandeur and tradition of Rex, each krewe makes its own contribution to Carnival.