Traditional music and dance forms highlighted during the Mardi Gras festival in New Orleans often encompass Jazz, second-line parades, and Cajun dance styles. The festival celebrates the cultural melting pot of the city, emphasizing African, Caribbean, and European influences. Street performers play lively music, inviting spontaneous dance, while elaborate costumes add a visual element to the event. Traditional brass bands and folk musicians share the stage, creating an atmosphere of celebration. This vibrant festival underscores the significance of music and dance as essential expressions of cultural identity in New Orleans.