Today is known as "Kings Day" in New Orleans as we move into 12th Night tonight. It's the official kickoff of the Mardi Gras Season. 

The mayor held his annual king cake party where dignitaries and guests enjoyed their first sweet treats of the Mardi Gras Season.  There was plenty of king cake, a jazz band, Mardi Gras Indians, beads and much more. 

"This is uniquely New Orleans," Mayor Mitch Landrieu told the crowd.  "This is what we are about.  We do something that nobody else in the world does... It is the thing that transmits to the rest of the nation authenticity of the history of New Orleans and the future of New Orleans."

Christy Brown with the Rex Organization read an invitation from the King of Carnival to the entire world.

"His majesty invites all of his subjects to gather from far and near to join in the many celebrations and processions which will shortly unfold under the joyful Carnival banner."

Officials also released a new Tulane economic study showing Carnival represents a more than $300 million contribution to the New Orleans economy.

"The bottom line economically is that every dollar the city spend, we get an $8.50 return," Civic leader John Charbonnet said as he released the information on behalf of the Carnival Krewe Civic Foundation. 

Click the image below to see a photo gallery from the party...