The Mardi Gras season is officially under way in St. Louis.

Fireworks kicked off the season Sunday night in the city’s Soulard district, where Johnny’s Restaurant and Bar hosted the 12th Night Celebration.

That’s the first of more than a dozen events leading up to the Fat Tuesday parade on Feb. 12.

 

The St. Louis Mardi Gras celebration is believed to be the nation’s second-largest behind New Orleans.