New Orleans' annual Carnival season is in full swing, with the exciting climax expected on Tuesday as thousands of partygoers flood
However, this year's festivities have been somewhat overshadowed by concerns over violent crime and political unrest in the city.
Unfortunately, during a parade on Sunday night, gunfire erupted, resulting in the death of a teenager and injuries to four others, including a young girl.
Police quickly apprehended a 21-year-old man, Mansour Mbodj, for illegally carrying a weapon and later upgraded the charge to second-degree murder.
Despite the violence, on Monday night, the streets of St. Charles Avenue were packed with crowds of people dancing, drinking, and eating as they waited for the evening's parades.
Similarly, the French Quarter was teeming with revelers enjoying the lively atmosphere of bars, restaurants, and strip clubs.
During an afternoon event at a riverside park, celebrating this year's king and queen of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, partygoers seemed to shrug off the recent violence.
"I think whatever it was, it was a private dispute that happened in a public place," said Chris Flug of New Orleans, referring to the shooting.