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NEW
ORLEANS MARDI GRAS
New Orleans….the mere mention of the name conjures
up pictures of floats, maskers, beads, doubloons and
the pure joy of Mardi Gras. From the family atmosphere
of St. Charles and Napoleon Avenues, to the party feel
of the downtown and French Quarter areas, there is a
place to parade watch for everyone of every age and
size. The celebration that is Mardi Gras is deeply rooted
in the French tradition of New Orleans. Begun as a "New
World" carryover from the pre-Lenten Parisian Mardi
Gras, the New Orleans festivities evolved from private
balls to foot parades to float parades (started in the
mid 1800s) to the extravaganzas of today. The organizations
that provide the Mardi Gras parades and balls are called
"krewes". All do so at their own expense,
thus providing what has many times been called the "Greatest
Free Show on Earth"
  The Mardi Gras
celebration begins on January 6 (Feast of the Epiphany
also known as Kings Day) and continues through Mardi
Gras Day (the day before Ash Wednesday). The traditional
"king cake" is associated with and eaten during
the entire Mardi Gras season. Also during this time,
most carnival krewes have their balls or supper dances.
Formal parades in New Orleans and the surrounding parishes
begin about two weeks before Mardi Gras Day. The festivities
reach a crescendo on the weekend before Mardi Gras Day
and that level continues through Fat Tuesday. Houses,
lampposts, people, and even horses are dressed in the
colors ofMardi Gras-purple, green and gold. New Orleans
for a brief time each year is transformed into a place
where the everyday world is cast aside. Beads, doubloons,
cups, and numerous other krewe throws are tossed to
thousands of happy parade goers shouting,
"Throw me something, mister. "
Laissez les bon temps rouler.
Book
your Hotel Room in New Orleans
(or anywhere else in the WORLD.)
| THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2010 SCHEDULE/LINEUP |
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The Jazz & Heritage Festival has been a growing
event each year. Setting record crowds the past few
years. This two weekend festival has drawn the likes
of many top entertainers, such as Paul Simon,Santana,
B.B. King, and many more. This event always seems to
out do itself every year. The festival always falls
on the last weekend in April and the first weekend in
May. It may be springtime, but do not count on all to
comfortable temperatures. While average highs are only
in the lower 80's, the combination between the large
crowds and the lack of shade make for a surprisingly
hot time. Another great thing about this festival is
it gives you an opportuinity to sample just about every
local cuisine you can think of. (Tip: Get your Crawfish
Bread & Crawfish Monica early in the day. You don't
want to waste time standing in line for these great
items, when you could be out dancing to great artist).
Remember to bring comfortable clothes and shoes and
sunscreen and hat to enjoy the festival to its fullest.
Happy Jazz Fest!!!! 2007
Pictures now online
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NEW
ORLEANS Southern Decadence FESTIVAL
Southern
Decadence started as a simple going-away
party. As a top gay Labor Day Weekend destination, it
has evolved into one of our world's major annual events.
One of the largest annual celebrations in New Orleans,
it has become known as the "New Orleans
Gay Mardi Gras." People begin to arrive
on the Wednesday before Labor Day, and generally don't
even think about stopping or going home until the following
Tuesday. With over 100,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender participants, the economic impact on the
city was estimated to be in excess of $95 million. The
city has recognized its importance with an Official
Proclamation to welcome the event.
The corner of Bourbon
and St. Ann Streets is generally considered to be the
epicenter of Gay New Orleans, and even more so during
the Southern Decadence festival weekend. At that intersection
is the largest gay nightclub, The Bourbon Pub video
bar and The Parade dance club, which is home to the
hottest dancers in town. Across the street is Hit Parade
Gift and Clothing store. Most of the city's main gay
attractions are located within a few blocks of this
intersection.
Most street party activities take place in the immediate
area of the French Quarter, and the dance parties are
in the clubs. And since the gay bars never close, there
is something happening around the clock. Some of the
nation's best DJs work the crowds into a frenzy.
Southern
Decadence Home Page
Pictures
of 2007 Southern Decadence in New Orleans
Southern
Decadence in New Orleans by Harriet Cross 2007
2006
SOUTHERN DECADENCE PICTURES
DID YOU KNOW
Louisiana was named in honor of French King Louis XIV.
President Thomas Jefferson negotiated with Napoleon
for the territory, and took control with the Louisiana
Purchase in 1803. The state was admitted to the Union
as the 18th state on April 30, 1812.
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