Mardi GrasDespite the devastating hurricane season in 2005, New
Orleans is once again hosting the world-renowned annual Mardi Gras,
a carnival that was first celebrated in its present form in 1856
and has earned a reputation for being the most scandalous and
sensational annual event on the world's festival calendar. The
origins of the carnival can be traced back to Roman times, but the
date is based on the Christian calendar. Traditionally Mardi Gras
day falls on 'Fat Tuesday', the day before Ash Wednesday, usually
occurring during late February or early March each year. The
history and traditions of the New Orleans Mardi Gras are confusing
and complicated, but what it all means to revelling visitors is a
series of ever-more exciting spectacular street parades through the
French Quarter starting about 10 days before Fat Tuesday, building
up to the big day. The whole affair turns into a major street
party, with traditional strings of beads being exchanged in return
for favours.New Orleans Jazz and Heritage FestivalIn late April, just before the onset of the summer
heat and humidity, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is
held in various locations. Numerous stages simultaneously present a
vast cross-section of musical performances by top artists, ranging
from traditional New Orleans jazz to Gospel, country, rap, hip-hop
and Creole zydeco. In addition to the hundreds of performances and
thousands of musicians the festival includes numerous food stalls
and hundreds of arts and crafts displays making it a true
celebration of the city's culture and heritage.St Patrick's DayNo sooner has New Orleans recovered from the revelry
of Mardi Gras than it starts all over again, with the celebration
of St Patrick's Day being the perfect reason for another round of
parades and parties through the downtown area, centred on Bourbon
Street. Traditionally it is a day for the locals to gather on the
streets and pavements with picnic baskets and umbrellas. Groups
parade dancing down the street in costumes of green, dispensing
flowers, beads and kisses to the spectators to the tune of
amplified live bands on floats and trucks. The most popular
'throws' that the crowd vies for on this day are cabbages, carrots,
onions and the odd potato. For more information phone (504) 525
5169.Gay Easter ParadeParades and parties are the order of the day again in
New Orleans at Easter, this time when the city's Gay community
turns out to celebrate under the auspices of the Easter Grand
Marshals. Thousands of spectators line the streets of the French
Quarter to watch the passing floats, carriages, walking groups,
bands and motorcycles. Cross-dressing and nudity is not permitted,
but apart from that anything goes with the costumes and
conviviality.French Quarter FestivalFeaturing the 'world's largest jazz brunch' (with more
than 40 booths serving specialities from well-known New Orleans
restaurants), the annual French Quarter Festival is a showcase for
local musicians and a gourmet chance to savour New Orleans flavour.
On the music front 13 stages operate in the historic Vieux Carre
district with a programme ranging from brass bands to gospel and
traditional jazz. As far as the food goes there are all the classic
New Orleans specialities like Jambalaya, Gumbo and bread pudding,
with lots more besides. All this is spiced up with dozens of
special events, many of them free, like fireworks over the
Mississippi, art exhibitions, courtyard tours, music workshops and
parades. For more information contact the Festival office on (504)
522 5730.Satchmo SummerfestNew Orleans turns out in style to celebrate the city's
most beloved and famous son, Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong, in the week
of the star's birthday each year. The line up of events honouring
the music man who promoted jazz around the world includes an
outdoor festival featuring music performances and local food along
with seminars and discussion groups. There are also activities for
children, art exhibitions, a jazz mass, parade and a 'club crawl'
on the programme, and most events are free. Phone (504) 522 5730
for more information.
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