Mardi Gras New Orleans 2014: Mardi Gras was drenched this year, not to mention cold.

However, despite the unexpected downpour and cold weather, the Mardi Gras  New Orleans 2014 festivities pushed through on Tuesday.

The celebration of Mardi Gras has been a yearly custom in the city of New Orleans since 1857, but the first recorded Mardi Gras actually took place in 1699. Organized by various krewes, or planners during the Carnival season, the parades featured floats of lively colors and costumed revelers.

For Mardi Gras New Orleans 2014, it veered from the usual as the icy weather and untoward rain prevented a large number of the attendees from joining in on the celebrations.

Many were still able to brave the sudden rain however, and according to a NOLA report, these people were welcomed with jolly floats and a warmer crowd.

The real Mardi Gras spirit was still apparent and the city of New Orleans isn't going to let a little rain diminish the fun.  Those who braved the rains partied and celebrated the whole day up till midnight, signalling the end of Mardi Gras New Orleans 2014.

It is a fun sight to behold as parade-goers tried to catch beads and trinkets from float riders, floats showcased a host of colors, and many people danced their way through the celebration.

As many are aware, the Mardi Gras celebrations are also termed "Fat Tuesday", and it signals the beginning of Ash Wednesday which is also the opening of the Lenten season. In this day and age, the officially recognised holiday is known for its beads, krewes and king cake.

Famous people who joined in on the celebration include Ian Somerhalder of The Vampire Diaries rides a float in the 2014 Krewe Of Endymion Parade and actor Hugh Laurie as Bacchus 2014 during the Krewe of Bacchus Parade last Sunday.

The Mardi Gras New Orleans 2014 showcased the city's lively personality and courage despite bad weather conditions.