Zulu and Rex parades, the climax of New Orleans' carnival season, will roll early on Fat Tuesday with pared-down ensembles due to forecasts of high wind.

But today, New Orleans throws the biggest free party in the world.Latest forecast | Download the WDSU Parade Tracker app | Full schedule of parades Sign up for our NewslettersThis year weather concerns have bumped parade times up from their normal schedule.

Sources say it's Mardi Gras, and a happy one at that.After so nearly being canceled yesterday due to the threat of severe weather, the parades are still rolling with as much delirious vim as any year.