The city of New Orleans, generally speaking, is happy to get you drunk any day of the year. However, Mardi Gras (and the preceding two weeks, known as Carnival), is one of the best occasions of the year to take in the city's alcoholic splendors. And, of course, there's plenty else to look at during this February 20 party extravaganza than large, red drinks in a cup, like girls, parades, and loads of parties.

Here are the basics:

Dates: Mardi Gras is always celebrated on the Tuesday that is 46 days before Easter (so you have plenty of time to repent for the sins you commit during the drinkfest). Look for it on your calendar as the day before Ash Wednesday.

Parties: Out-of-town partiers should probably opt for the public parties, as opposed to the private ones thrown by clubs (or "krewes" in the local lingo). Krewes are tricky: some are widely accepting of anyone as a member (these might be the parties to crash), while some are made up exclusively of old New Orleans families. Public parties take the form of parades, generally in public streets, so they are free to attend and shouldn't be terribly hard to spot.

Parades: These are a great form of entertainment during Mardi Gras and the preceding couple of weeks. Culminating in nine parades on the actual Mardi Gras day, many are named for Greek gods and goddesses, like the oh-so-appropriate Bacchus (god of wine). Think loads of floats, dance troupes, and people throwing favors to the jubilant crowd.

Beads: For girls, the easiest way to get beads has always been to flash their womanly endowments, causing a shower of kisses and uber-tacky jewelry to be bestowed on them by happy party-goers. Be on alert for this phenomenon. You needn't be one of those tacky frat boys yelling "Show us your t***!" You just need to be observant (or be the man with the beads). If you're a guy, you can flash for beads, too, either by lifting your shirt or by dropping trou. Disclaimer: doing this anywhere outside of Bourbon Street may get you arrested. Don't say we didn't warn you.

Food: Many of the city's great restaurants are still in the process of being rebuilt in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, but not to fear. There are still plenty of great places to grab some grub, which you'll need to fuel your marathon of partying. New Orleans is known for its Cajun delicacies (heavy on the crawfish), things that are blackened, and beignets (French doughnuts that are the size of your head).

And finally, Booze: At last check, Bourbon Street's specialty seemed to be brightly-colored, alcoholic, Slurpee-esque wonders like Hurricanes and Mudslides, conveniently served in to-go cups to gulp down as you run through the street. Drink them with the knowledge that the sidewalk will tilt under your feet and your head will throb the next morning.

For those of you that want to pretend it's Mardi Gras at your place, whip up a batch of Hurricanes on your own: Fill a pint glass with ice. Dump in 1 oz light rum, 1 oz Bacardi 151 rum, 1 oz triple sec, 1 oz pineapple juice, and 1 oz grenadine. Shake. Blenderize if you must. Suck it down with a straw, then flash your friends for good measure. Or not.



» To get the lowdown for Fat Tuesday, visit http://www.mardigras.com/