Mardi Gras festivities in pictures

After days of parades and revelry, Mardi Gras came to an end in New Orleans for another year.

French for Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras is traditionally a Christian festival of indulgence that ends on the night before Ash Wednesday, when followers deny themselves luxuries for Lent.

New Orleans is world famous for its celebration, which sees days of parades, masquerade balls and dancing in the streets.

The first parade is said to have been celebrated in 1837, but over time, balls, parties and parades have spread out to take place throughout the season, organised by social clubs called "Krewes."

Here, The Independent has collated the best pictures from this year's event.