Each year, the city of New Orleans in the State of Louisiana holds a celebration known as Mardi Gras. This year, traditional activities have been canceled because of the coronavirus health crisis. But, many houses around the city are now preparing for the special week. The Mardi Gras celebration often involves a parade with people dressing in colorful clothes and special vehicles covered in decorations called floats. What is known as Carnival season begins in early January and ends in February. Mardi Gras is one of several Carnival celebrations in traditionally Roman Catholic parts of the world. The celebrations are held the day before Catholics begin the religious observance of Lent.