Mardi Gras

I have to say...I really don't get Mardi Gras. I understand the religious significance and get that but all the other stuff is beyond me. It just looks like an excuse to get drunk. And really do you need an excuse? Any place that is going to have a high percentage of drunk, rowdy people, I'm so not going to visit. I'm not sure I get the beads either. I get them for little kids. But "adults" why? So for your Mardi Gras Pleasure: But of course, I prefer Eat Drink and Be Merry!