Parade of Champions

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In downtown New Orleans on Tuesday (Feb. 9), loyal fans of the New Orleans Saints wear costumes and carry banners, crowding the streets for the Super Bowl victory parade. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano)

The parade on “Dat Tuesday” (dubbed “Lombardi Gras” in honor of the Super Bowl Lombardi trophy) brings out thank-you signs from longtime Saints supporters the week before Mardi Gras. (Photo by Ryan Rivet)

Surrounded by parade watchers along St. Charles Avenue in the central business district, the Tulane University Marching Band entertains the crowd. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano)

The Tulane band, in the middle of the parade lineup, swings to a beat on the route that wound from the Louisiana Superdome to Mardi Gras World along the Mississippi River. (Photo by Ryan Rivet)

Quarterback Drew Brees, No. 9, prepares to toss beads to the crowd, which chanted the “Who Dat!” cheer over and over again. With Brees on the float is Mark Brunell, No. 11, backup quarterback. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano)

Waving the Lombardi trophy won with the Saints Super Bowl victory, head coach Sean Payton delights fans along the parade route. (Photo by Ryan Rivet)