Mardi Gras World is a family run-business started by a man named Blaine Kern in 1947.
His grandson, Brian Kern, says that a lot has changed since then.
"The original floats of New Orleans carried 12 riders on, now we are doing floats that with multiple sections can carry up to 250 people," Kern noted. "My father just wanted to push the envelope, make things larger, bigger prettier, more lighting, everything; it's just something we do."
The floats are central to New Orleans' world famous parades, which have been taking place for around 150 years. Some of the floats are as long as 15 meters.
Kern says the floats have helped to make Mardi Gras a major tourism attraction.
"Mardi Gras, I think it defines the city," Kern added. "It's a billion-dollar industry. About 40,000 or 50,000 people actually participate in carnival krewes either in the parade or in the ball so it is a large part of our culture."
Mardi Gras World doubles as a workshop and a museum where tourists can look behind the scenes.
One visitor from New York said her partner had advised her against going to the festival.
"He goes, "Oh no, you are not going to be happy with Mardi Gras.' So I said. 'OK,' but after seeing this, it just seems like a lot of fun, a lot of color, just a good time," she said.
A good time that takes a lot of hard work. The artists at Mardi Gras world will be working seven day weeks before the festival begins.
最新
2013-11-27
2013-11-27
2013-11-27
2013-11-27
2013-11-27
2013-11-27