Crowds of revelers will enhance their jewelry wardrobes tonight as metallic plastic Mardi Gras beads become the hot accessory.

Although Athens is not as devoted to Mardi Gras festivities as New Orleans, the party is sure to live on.

By celebrating Mardi Gras, which literally means “Fat Tuesday,” many students will prepare for the long, grueling 40 days of Lent.

Traditionally celebrated as the feast before the fast, Mardi Gras has gained a modern reputation as the biggest party of the year.

Having begun the celebrations last Thursday, both Harry Bissett’s New Orleans Cafe and Oyster Bar and Bourbon Street are continuing the festivities tonight, luring the crowd with their decorations and costumes.

At Harry Bissett’s, “We have a King and Queen of Mardi Gras every year,” said Heather Hoechst, a graduate student of women studies from Athens. “They get up on the bar and throw beads.”

At Bourbon Street, patrons can catch beads thrown by a jester from the bar or from other bar-hoppers from the balcony. The staff will be in costume for the celebration, and the bar will play New Orleans Zydeco music. Featured drinks include Hurricanes and Hand Grenades.

Besides the bars downtown that will be hosting drinks and beads, getting away from the madness may be a sweeter deal.

Celebrating Britain’s National Pancake Day, their version of pre-Lent celebration, IHOP will be giving away one free shortstack of pancakes to all guests from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Donations will be accepted for the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta.

For festive, family fun, Lay Park is celebrating the day with a Mardi Gras festival from 6 to 8 p.m., complete with beads, crafts, dancing and a traditional New Orleans King Cake.