The French Quarter is always out of control, especially on Bourbon Street. Off Bourbon Street, it's normally manageable, especially during the day. However, Mardi Gras is very much *not* about the Quarter, and most people never go near the Quarter during Mardi Gras. And yup, the week before Mardi Gras is equally busy as Mardi Gras weekend itself.

I wonder if those people were from Maine! Lobsters are unusual down here!

And yeah, it's a very official parade, with police presence and stuff, but it's also very anything-goes. (Which, honestly, is *very* New Orleans.)