This year, March 4 is Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, the last day of the Carnival season. It's celebrated in New Orleans and around the United States and the world with parades, balls and parties.

Fat Tuesday marks the end of the season ... Some, dressed in their Mardi Gras best, came to watch the parade roll down East Beach Boulevard. The kids enjoyed the parade for similar reasons ...

Krzysiak’s House Restaurant, 1605 Michigan Ave., welcomed all the smiling faces on Fat Tuesday, March 4, whether they were picking up a few dozen paczki or dining in to enjoy the live polka band.

Fat Tuesday, the grand finale, marks the culmination of weeks of revelry and excitement. But why do we celebrate? Let's take a closer look at the rich history behind this lively holiday ...