I think the city makes money on Mardi gras in the form of taxes on hotels, liquor, etc.
Every float is sponsored by a club of sorts ,
the floats all have a Krew to operate it and display their motif It has evolved into a number of strange events and challenge’s .The various Krew's compete for best at stops along the way .people from balconies along the way cheer throw cheap gifts, beads and favors to the people on the floats and to the crowds .It is a serious affair to those competing for prizes and recognition .
New Orleans has always been an iffie place to live totally at the mercy of the major storms .
The city is like a bowl with its levies turned up like a bowl to be filled with water at any time .