By Monday we should be fully recovered from the madness that was Mardi Gras 2011. Although the Weather Channel had predicted thunderstorms for Fat Tuesday, the party gods blessed New Orleans with only drizzles until night time—by which point most people were making their way home anyway. As usual the French Quarter was packed with costumes, and even a couple homemade floats (one favorite was a wrestling ring on wheels—complete with wrestlers and referees). Here are some of the costumed revelers on Mardi Gras day in the French Quarter. All photos were taken by Kim Welsh.

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And as a bonus, here’s a smartphone video from online editor Ben Berman’s front porch on Burgundy Street as the Krewe of St. Anne kicks off Mardi Gras Day at the beginning of their parade to Canal Street.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSLsdkR0DBs[/youtube]