Late last night the floats were packed away and the shirts put back on, as Fat Tuesday gave way to today -- hangover Wednesday. This year's Mardi Gras wasn't without its darker moments (gunshots injured six at a parade), but New Orleaners still found it in themselves to dress in stuff that would make a drag queen blush and have a rip-roaring weekend. The most exciting moment of the celebration? When Fat Tuesday got its king, Fat Val Kilmer.

If you're one of the millions of Americans who can't simply take a few days off of work to have beer for every meal and ogle the boobs of strange women, check out these pictures to see what you missed.


Mardi Gras 2009

    NEW ORLEANS - FEBRUARY 24: Mardi Gras revelers walk along Royal Street on Mardi Gras Day on February 24, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Mardi Gras celebration ends at midnight, when the Catholic Lenten season begins with Ash Wednesday and culminates with Easter. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS - FEBRUARY 24: Floats from the Zulu parade roll down St. Charles Avenue throwing beads and coconuts on Mardi Gras day on February 24, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Mardi Gras celebration ends at midnight, when the Catholic Lenten season begins with Ash Wednesday and culminates with Easter. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS - FEBRUARY 24: Riders in the Krewe of Rex parade through the city during Mardi Gras day on February 24, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Mardi Gras celebration ends at midnight, when the Catholic Lenten season begins with Ash Wednesday and culminates with Easter. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS - FEBRUARY 24: A reveler walks along St. Charles avenue in costume on Mardi Gras day on February 24, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Mardi Gras celebration ends at midnight, when the Catholic Lenten season begins with Ash Wednesday and culminates with Easter. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS - FEBRUARY 24: Riders in the Krewe of Rex parade through the city during Mardi Gras day on February 24, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Mardi Gras celebration ends at midnight, when the Catholic Lenten season begins with Ash Wednesday and culminates with Easter. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS - FEBRUARY 24: Riders in the Krewe of Rex parade through the city during Mardi Gras day on February 24, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Mardi Gras celebration ends at midnight, when the Catholic Lenten season begins with Ash Wednesday and culminates with Easter. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS - FEBRUARY 24: Riders in the Krewe of Rex parade through the city during Mardi Gras day on February 24, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Mardi Gras celebration ends at midnight, when the Catholic Lenten season begins with Ash Wednesday and culminates with Easter. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS - FEBRUARY 24: Floats from the Zulu parade roll down St. Charles Avenue throwing beads and coconuts on Mardi Gras day on February 24, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Mardi Gras celebration ends at midnight, when the Catholic Lenten season begins with Ash Wednesday and culminates with Easter. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS - FEBRUARY 24: A Mardi Gras reveler asks for a pair of beads on Bourbon Street on Mardi Gras Day on February 24, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Mardi Gras celebration ends at midnight, when the Catholic Lenten season begins with Ash Wednesday and culminates with Easter. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS - FEBRUARY 24: Mardi Gras revelers walk up and down on Bourbon Street on Mardi Gras day on February 24, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Mardi Gras celebration ends at midnight, when the Catholic Lenten season begins with Ash Wednesday and culminates with Easter. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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