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 The
part of Mardi Gras most people don't get to see has to do with the bal
masque, better known as the Carnival Ball, held during the Carnival
season. These are lavish, invitation-only affairs for members of the
Krewes and the Social Elite of New Orleans. The Carnival season officially
begins on January 6th, which is Twelfth Night, the Feast of the Epiphany.
Twelfth Night is the date that marks the end of the Christmas season and
the beginning of the countdown to Lent.
 There
are two official celebrations that mark the beginning of Carnival: The bal
masque of the Twelfth Night Revelers, and the ride of the Phunny Phorty
Phellows along St. Charles Avenue. From January 6th on up to three weeks
before Mardi Gras, Carnival organizations hold parties, dances and balls,
mostly on weekends.
 Carnival
officially closes on Fat Tuesday with the meeting of the courts of Rex and
Comus at the ball of the Mystick Krewe of Comus. At midnight the
police begin clearing the streets of the French Quarter.
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