Fat Tuesday 2011: Andy Garcia Crowned Bacchus At Mardi Gras

For years, Fat Tuesday has provided a laid back venue for celebrities to party in style. One of the most popular parades in the famed New Orleans celebration is the Bacchus parade, which annually crowns a celebrity king. Andy Garcia holds the honors for 2011.

Garcia will portray Bacchus, the Greek god of wine, in the parade, which broke with tradition in 1968 by having its signature floats run on Sunday night instead of Fat Tuesday itself. The Bacchus celebration features marching bands and more than 25 elaborate floats. Every year it draws crowds of several hundred thousands. Previous celebs who have led the parade include Bob Hope, Dom DeLuise, Charlton Heston, William Shatner, Kirk Douglas, Luke Perry and Dick Clark.

Also throwing beads to the crowds this year from their floats were Laurence Fishburne, Delta Burke, and Harry Connick, Jr., who also performed at the after party. —KIMBERLY STEELE

Watch Uinterview's exclusive with Andy Garcia here.