New Orleans Mardi Gras: behind the scenes – in pictures

Photographer Sophie Lvoff (second from left) poses with her 9th Ward Marching Rifle Band. Jello Biafra of hardcore punk band the Dead Kennedys (centre) gets them ready to roll in the Proteus Parade - the second oldest parade in New Orleans Photograph: Sophie T Lvoff

Despite the rain at this year's carnival, this woman is spreading a little sunshine to revellers on Franklin Avenue Photograph: Sophie T Lvoff

Rachel Avena Brown tries not to let the weather rain on her parade Photograph: Sophie T Lvoff

Silver surfer Tina Antolini in the Bywater neighbourhood Photograph: Sophie T Lvoff

Getting ready to ride in the Krewe of Proteus parade. Riders in these costumes are officers and lieutenants of the krewes - the local organisations that put on parades and balls over the carnival season Photograph: Sophie T Lvoff

Two members of the Roots of Music Marching Crusaders limber up for the Proteus Parade. Roots of Music is a local group that fills a void in the music education programmes in New Orleans schools Photograph: Sophie T Lvoff

Parade-goers cheer for beads and trinkets handed out by float riders. Drew Stubbs, who has worked the beads theme into his carnival suit, takes a refreshment break at Mimi's in the Marigny Photograph: Sophie T Lvoff

Alien beauty queen at Mimi's Photograph: Sophie T Lvoff

A Basquiat-inspired Mardi Gras king costume at Big Daddy's in the Marigny Photograph: Sophie T Lvoff

Photographer Sophie Lvoff signs off at Sophie Wright Place. Sophie Wright was an activist who started several free schools in the city
Photograph: Sophie T Lvoff