AP PHOTOS: A look at Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans through the years

Bacchus the XVII, also known as Kirk Douglas, throws doubloons from a carnival float on March 4, 1984 in New Orleans. The popular Bacchus parade was one of many Sundays. The celebrations end Tuesday with Rex and other Mardi Gras extravaganzas. (AP Photo/Bill Haber, file)