Five people were wounded Sunday in Franklinton, Louisiana, after a shooting at a Mardi Gras parade and a suspect was arrested for attempted murder.

Jefferson Parish canceled its parades, and officials in New Orleans were warily watching the Tuesday forecast.

New Orleans takes Mardi Gras seriously, with traditions including king cake and parades beginning in January and lasting for weeks until the actual holiday itself. Here's everything to know. This year, Mardi Gras, which translates from French to "Fat Tuesday," is on March 4.

Parades on Mardi Gras day have been canceled due to the dangers posed by extreme winds that could reach 60 mph in the New Orleans area on Fat Tuesday.

Mardi Gras gives people the opportunity to celebrate before the Lenten season, where people become more disciplined and give up habits for 40 days.