A rider shows off a bag of Zulu’s much-coveted throw, the hand-painted coconut. (Zach Brien, UptownMessenger.com)
The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club kicked off the Mardi Gras Day parades in grand style, exuding warmth despite the morning chill. King George V. Rainey and Queen Kailyn L. Rainey reigned over the 42-float parade with the theme “Zulu Celebrates Fantasy and Adventure.” 
A trombone player bellows out a note behind the Zulu Tramps, the krewe’s own walking troupe. (Zach Brien, UptownMessenger.com)
A rider on the Labaron Fisher float teases the crowd with a hand clapper on Jackson Avenue. (Zach Brien, UptownMessenger.com)
Elroy A. James, Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club president, leads the parade. (Zach Brien, UptownMessenger.com)
Cymbal players with the St. Paul’s marching band dance during their routine. (Zach Brien, UptownMessenger.com)
The Nyxettes dance their way down Jackson Avenue. (Zach Brien, UptownMessenger.com)
Regis Prograis, a native New-Orleanian, shows off the light-welterweight title belts he caught from Zulu riders. (Zach Brien, UptownMessenger.com)
Dancers with the Carnival Exchange Project interact with spectators. The Carnival Exchange Project celebrates the cultural ties between New Orleans and Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. (Zach Brien, UptownMessenger.com)
Zach Brien, Uptown Messenger file photo
Flag twirlers with Booker T. Washington High School marching band make their way down Jackson Avenue on Tuesday. (Zach Brien, UptownMessenger.com)
Talladega College marching band, who made an appearance in many of the city’s parades, dance during Zulu. (Zach Brien, UptownMessenger.com)
Uptown Messenger file photo
Mayor LaToya Cantrell wishes Zulu spectators a happy Mardi Gras on Tuesday. (Zach Brien, UptownMessenger.com)
One Zulu Tramp pulls off a balancing act with his top hat. (Zach Brien, UptownMessenger.com)
Keith Porter dances to a brass band behind the Zulu Tramps on Tuesday. (Zach Brien, UptownMessenger.com)
