The Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., played host to the 70th Mystick Krewe of Louisianians Washington, D.C., Mardi Gras the weekend of Jan. 25. The annual three-day event included Louisiana Alive! on Thursday night, which is a mixer event showcasing Louisiana foods from all over the state and live music from various bands in Louisiana. Friday night is a seated dinner where the Mardi Gras princesses and festival queens are presented. Saturday night is the grand Mardi Gras Ball Gala, where the king is presented to the crowd of more than 3,000 after the royalty presentation with floats and marching bands that parade through the ballroom. This year’s king was Todd Graves, founder of Raising Cane’s, who also hosted an exclusive party which featured food by legendary Louisiana chef John Folse and entertainment by Better Than Ezra and Flo Rida. – Mark Crawford