The city of New Orleans closed St. Charles Avenue headed Uptown at Calliope Street on Friday to erect safety barriers ahead of the height of Carnival season. Friday's parades will kick off the first big weekend before Mardi Gras. Residents signed up for emergency notifications from the city were sent a message alerting them to the street closure.

The City of New Orleans is gearing up for the first big weekend of Carnival parades. Two dozen parades will roll starting Friday night through Sunday. Here's a look at the parade forecast this weekend | Download the WDSU Parade Tracker app

Photo courtesy of New Orleans & Company Carnival is celebrated all over the world, but there’s nothing quite like Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The Carnival celebrations here draw well over a million visitors each year,

Joseph Sherman, 12, shows his hands in the air as the Krewe of King Arthur parades along the Uptown route in New Orleans, Sunday, February 4, 2024. Prized throws include coveted King Arthur Grails, a wide variety of doubloons, assorted krewe trinkets and special beads. (Staff photo by Brett Duke, The Times-Picayune)

The city of New Orleans is preparing for Mardi Gras celebrations by increasing security measures. Find out about the safety initiatives here.

Following the deadly January 1st attack on Bourbon Street, NOLA Public Schools is now prioritizing safety for high school bands marching in parades during Mardi Gras season.