It marks the final day of feasting on rich, fatty foods before the Christian fasting season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.

The hidden trinket originally represented the infant Jesus. Tradition dictates that the finder receives good luck alongside the responsibility of providing the next cake.

Concealing identities allowed people of different social standings to mingle freely. By law, float riders in New Orleans are still required to wear masks today.

Before electric streetlights existed, these torchbearers illuminated the elaborate floats. Today, crowds continue the tradition of tossing them coins in appreciation.