The makeup carries grave significance for the group as Brian Sims, a former Zulu king, explains: "Back in the 1900s, the rules are, you have to mask. Every organization wears a mask during Mardi Gras.

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Stepping into Royal Mask, one of the oldest Mardi Gras mask shops in the French Quarter, visitors are greeted by walls adorned with vibrant, handmade creations.

A New Orleans city ordinance prohibits the wearing of masks on any other day, and on Mardi Gras masks must be removed by 6:00 p.m. Getty. Each Krewe hurls party favors into the crowds.