MKRob Sports

The Saints paraded through their home city Tuesday in a raucous celebration befitting the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship.

Just two days after New Orleans took a 31-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV, the Saints returned home for a parade that was part victory celebration, part Mardi Gras procession.

Numerous marching bands helped guide the way as players and coaches rode on the ornate, elaborate floats used during Mardi Gras. The procession wound its way through the city amid beads and confetti, and in front of throngs of cheering fans as day turned to night.

“This toast goes out to you,” said Saints quarterback Drew Brees, the Super Bowl MVP. “We love you, we won that championship for you.”

One of the first floats, featuring a large replica of the Lombardi Trophy, carried team owner Tom Benson. As it made its way to the end of the route, down Convention Center Boulevard, the float passed a gallery containing New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin, who toasted Benson and the Saints. Also in the gallery were Louisiana senator Mary Landrieu and governor Bobby Jindal.

Further back in the procession was a float carrying head coach Sean Payton, who hoisted the actual Lombardi Trophy in the air for fans to see.

“Everybody that’s here tonight can’t touch this,” Payton said of the Lombardi Trophy. “And I know on behalf of the team and the organization, we just wish you could spend one night with it. Because your support and just your following means so much to us.”

The Saints’ victory comes after several years in their history of seeing fans hold paper bags over their heads due to losing seasons, and more than four years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city, causing speculation that the team might relocate.

But the Saints stayed, built a winning club, and Tuesday they returned as champions to The Crescent City — their city — to celebrate, New Orleans- style.