The King of Cakes

During carnival season in New Orleans, if you are lucky enough, you can have your cake and eat it too.

- KIRAN MEHTA

There's a distinct joie-de-vivre in the air in this US city. It's impossible not to get swept up in the revelry. Marked by street parades, you'll be surrounded by people dressed in over-the-top costumes: from men sporting blingy bras, to women dressed in voluminous gowns embellished with colourful sequins, and head-gear with faux feathers. The only criteria is to sport the tri-colours, usually in the form of beads. The three colours that make up the beaded necklaces are purple to symbolise justice, green for faith, and gold which stands for power.