The twelfth night after Christmas marks the final day of the mid-winter holidays, and the beginning of Carnival season that culminates on Mardi Gras day (February 12). In New Orleans, Twelfth Night is celebrated with parties, processions and king cake — it’s a time for costumes, glitter and revelry in the streets. This is your chance to shake off the winter doldrums and celebrate with your community. Austin is ripe for a new tradition and you can help us bring some New Orleans cheer and old world magic to this city.

How can you participate? Rally your people and and pick a theme for your krewe. Fire up your glue gun and your imagination and make a costume. Nominate members of your community to be King or Queen and vote for them online. KOOP's Fais Do Do DJ Tom Mahnke will be playing the finest in Cajun, Swamp Pop, New Orleans R&B and brass bands.

A timeline of the evening's events:

• 7 p.m.: Gather at Maison d'Etoile for pre-parade libations and last minute costume fluffery
• 8:30 p.m.: The Minor Mishap Marching Band will lead the procession through the neighborhood to The Blackheart (about a mile)
• 10 p.m.: Masquerade Ball at The Blackheart, where there will be dancing, photo-boothing and king cake eating
• Midnight: Queen and King crowned