New Orleans is one city in America that is NOT short on culture, passion, and fun! Let's head down to NOLA and find out the Top 5 things to do... plus a BONUS! 1. Embrace the spooky.New Orleans is known for being a little bit out of the ordinary. Whether it's the lore of Voodoo, the dancing shadows at night, or the fog that rolls in ominously off of the Mississippi River - you'll have no problem find something eerie to embrace. Voodoo is a religion that originated in West Africa, primarily in what is now Benin. It merged with elements of Roman Catholicism and local indigenous beliefs during the African transatlantic slave trade. The history of Voodoo in New Orleans is a rich tapestry woven with cultural threads from Africa, Haiti, Europe, and Native American traditions. When slaves were brought to Louisiana, they brought with them their religious beliefs, which included Voodoo. Louisiana's slave population was somewhat unique because it included a significant number of people from the same region in Africa, which helped preserve their religious practices more than in other areas of the South where the slave population was more diverse. The Code Noir, a decree passed by King Louis XIV of France in 1685, mandated that all slaves in French territories be baptized and instructed in the Roman Catholic faith. This led to a unique blending of Voodoo with Catholic practices. Saints became associated with traditional Voodoo spirits or loas, and Catholic rituals were infused with African traditions. After the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804), a large number of refugees, both white and free people of color, including Voodoo practitioners, arrived in New Orleans. This influx further enriched and solidified Voodoo in New Orleans's cultural milieu. One of the most famous figures in New Orleans Voodoo history is Marie Laveau (1801-1881), known as the "Voodoo Queen." She was said to possess considerable power and led many Voodoo rituals and ceremonies. Her influence and the mystical allure surrounding her practices played a significant part in the spread of Voodoo's fame in the city. By the 19th century, Voodoo was interwoven with the fabric of New Orleans society, particularly within the Creole community and among enslaved and freed people of African descent. Congregations would gather for ceremonies featuring drumming, dancing, singing, and the invoking of the loas. Over time, particularly towards the end of the 19th century, the practice faced increased scrutiny and opposition from mainstream society and the Catholic Church, leading to a decline in open practice and, in some cases, sensationalist and misguided representations that conflated Voodoo with the occult and black magic. Today, Voodoo is still practiced in New Orleans, but on a much smaller scale. It is a part of the city's tourist industry, with shops selling gris-gris bags, and Voodoo dolls, and offering readings. Though it can be commercialized, there are still those who practice the religion with sincerity and respect for its African and Haitian roots. Voodoo remains an essential aspect of New Orleans's unique cultural identity, contributing to the city's mystique and its rich tapestry of historical and cultural influences. 2. Enjoy the cuisine.Creole and Cajun cuisines are essential aspects of the rich culinary landscape in Louisiana, with New Orleans being a pivotal hub for Creole flavors. The history and development of these cuisines are distilled from the commingling of various cultures, including French, Spanish, West African, Native American, and more. Creole cuisine emerged in New Orleans, which was a melting pot of cultures. After the city was founded in 1718, it became a prominent port, attracting people from diverse backgrounds. The term "Creole" originally described the descendants of French and Spanish settlers in Louisiana. Over time, it came to include those of mixed heritage, particularly with African ancestry. The Creole cuisine of New Orleans is characterized by a more refined and urban touch, having been influenced by classical European styles — mainly French and Spanish — and bolstered with local ingredients. The cuisine absorbed elements from African cooks who contributed okra and various techniques, as well as influences from Native Americans with ingredients like sassafras (used in filé powder) and bay leaf. Dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée, and shrimp Creole showcase a blend of spices and ingredients intrinsic to this tradition. Moreover, the use of tomatoes is a distinguishing feature of Creole as opposed to Cajun cuisine. Cajun cuisine, on the other hand, has its roots in the Acadiana region of Louisiana, home to the Cajuns. These were French-speaking Acadian immigrants expelled from Canada in the 18th century who settled in the rural parts of Louisiana. Their cuisine evolved in relative isolation compared to the Creole style. Cajun cooking is typically more rustic, developed out of necessity by utilizing local resources. It’s often one-pot meals with a simpler approach than Creole food. The "holy trinity" of Cajun cuisine (onion, bell pepper, and celery), along with spices and the extensive use of pork fat, provide a robust base for many dishes. Cajun food is less likely to use tomatoes and is known for its earthy depth and hearty flavors. Both cuisines, while distinct, reflect the intricate tapestry of Louisiana's history and continue to be celebrated elements of New Orleans' vibrant cultural scene. Learn more about our favorite foods and drinks in New Orleans by clicking foods or drinks! 3. Fly your freak flag.Mardi Gras, French for "Fat Tuesday," has its origins in ancient pagan celebrations of spring and fertility, such as Saturnalia and Lupercalia. However, it was later incorporated into Christianity as a way to usher in Lent, the 40 days of fasting and penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. The tradition of Mardi Gras parades in its more modern form can be traced back to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice before reaching the French House of the Bourbons. The first recorded Mardi Gras celebration in the United States took place in 1703 in the tiny settlement of Fort Louis de la Louisiane (now Mobile, Alabama), but it was New Orleans, founded in 1718 and governed by the French and Spanish until the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, that really nurtured the celebration, making it into the vast city-wide party we now know. Early Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans were balls and social events, but the tradition of parades began in 1837, with the revelry often accompanied by street processions of maskers with carriages and horseback riders. However, these early parades were quite disorganized and could sometimes become violent. The modern form of the Mardi Gras parade owes much to the Mistick Krewe of Comus, which in 1857 staged a torch-lit Mardi Gras procession with marching bands and rolling floats, setting the tone for future celebrations. The reason for wearing masks and costumes can be traced to a variety of reasons. Costumes and masks allow revelers to escape societal and class constraints. Wearing a mask provides anonymity, which can encourage greater freedom in behavior, a characteristic of the Saturnalian festivities that Mardi Gras echoes. The tradition also speaks to human nature's intrinsic pleasure in the transformation and the allure of the mysterious. As for costumes, they vary widely but are known for being colorful, extravagant, and often reflective of satire. Themes can include mythological creatures like fauns or dryads, and caricatures of contemporary political figures or celebrities. The use of costumes and masks has endured and has become one of the definitive features of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Today, Mardi Gras in cities like New Orleans is known for krewes (private social clubs) that manage different parades and balls throughout the carnival season. The parades during Mardi Gras are famous for their elaborate floats and the practice of throwing beads, cups, and other trinkets to the crowds. Our favorite parades have been Krewe Boheme and Krewe du Vieux. The rich history of Mardi Gras continues to evolve, with each year adding new traditions, themes, and celebrations to the centuries-old festival, making it a unique and dynamic testament to the vibrancy of cultural and communal celebration. 4. Get out in the wild.The swamps of Southern Louisiana are an integral part of the region's history and ecology. Their story begins over 7,000 years ago when the Mississippi River started forming the delta landscape. Periodic floods deposited rich sediment, creating a foundation for diverse ecosystems. Louisiana's swamps have long provided resources for Native American tribes, such as the Choctaw, Houma, and Chitimacha. These peoples used the swamps for food, transport, and materials for tools and shelter. They developed a deep understanding of the complex waterways and ecosystems. European arrival in the 16th and 17th centuries added new layers to this history. Spanish and French explorers ventured into these wetlands, and eventually, French colonists began settling, developing agriculture, and establishing trade. By the 18th and 19th centuries, land was increasingly altered to support sugar cane and cotton plantations. Slaves were brought to work these lands, with many escaping into swamp regions where they formed maroon communities. The swamps also provided strategic advantages during conflicts, like the War of 1812 and the Civil War, serving as hideouts and navigation routes. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, logging expanded heavily into these areas, severely impacting the cypress forests within the swamps. During the 20th century, oil and gas exploration and drilling increased, leading to further alterations of the landscape. As these industries boomed, they built canals, disrupting water flow, and contributing to land loss and saltwater intrusion, which damage the swamp's ecosystems. Efforts to control the Mississippi with levees prevented the seasonal floods which had nourished the delta with sediments. Starved of sediments and cut by canals, swamps experienced land loss at alarming rates. In recent decades, there's been growing awareness of the importance of wetlands. Swamps act as natural storm barriers, crucial wildlife habitats, and carbon sinks. Initiatives for conservation, restoration, and sustainable management practices, such as the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA), are trying to mitigate some of the damage. The history of Southern Louisiana's swamps is one of natural wonder, human endeavor, exploitation, and ongoing efforts to conserve these unique landscapes for future generations. W encourage you to get out on the waters while visiting New Orleans to learn more about this rich history and see more for yourselves. We have used Swamp Adventures and found their guides to be incredibly knowledgeable. 5. Listen to your heart.The music scene in New Orleans is a vibrant tapestry, a dynamic blend of history, culture, and creativity. Known as the birthplace of jazz, the city pulses with a rhythm that's both ancestral and progressive. Jazz: A cornerstone of the New Orleans music scene, jazz can be heard in countless venues, from the historic Preservation Hall to the bustling clubs on Frenchmen Street. It's at the heart of the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, known globally as Jazz Fest. Blues and R&B: They have strong roots here, with soulful performances found in dimly lit bars and at festivals. Artists channel the spirit of legends like Fats Domino and Professor Longhair. Brass Bands: Following in the footsteps of the famous Dirty Dozen Brass Band, brass bands fill the streets with sound, particularly during second line parades, a tradition involving brass band processions followed by exuberant dancing crowds. Bounce Music: A high-energy style of hip-hop, bounce music is synonymous with New Orleans and includes quick beats and call-and-response chants that inspire dancing. Zydeco and Cajun: These genres, tied to the French Acadian heritage of Louisiana, feature accordions, washboards, and a unique blend of rhythms, often spilling over from the bayou into New Orleans. Rock: While not as historically rooted as other genres, rock music finds a home here, with many venues supporting indie, punk, and alternative bands. Festivals: The city's love for music is showcased in a constant cycle of festivals like the French Quarter Festival, the Essence Festival, and Satchmo SummerFest. The essence of New Orleans' music scene is its live performances, with musicians drawn to the energy and audiences that appreciate the improvisation and soul of live music. Whether in storied music halls, lively clubs, street corners, or during Mardi Gras, music is an ever-present force in the Big Easy. Our 2 favorite places to experience live music in New Orleans are Three Muses and Apple Barrel Bar. BONUS: Walk the streets.New Orleans is a city with a vibrant street art scene that colorfully reflects its diverse history and culture. For those looking to immerse themselves in this aspect of the city, several key locations are renowned for their dynamic street art and murals.
Bywater District: This neighborhood has become a canvas for local and international artists, featuring large, colorful murals that often reflect social and political themes, or simply deliver whimsy and beauty. Marigny: Just adjacent to the French Quarter, Marigny is home to Frenchmen Street as well as a plethora of murals that pop up in unexpected places, blending art, music, and nightlife. Central Business District (CBD) & Warehouse District: These areas have seen a surge in street art, particularly since the city hosted the international mural festival, NOLA Mural Project, which left a legacy of stunning large-scale murals on many of its buildings. St. Claude Avenue: As the corridor to neighborhoods like Marigny and Bywater, St. Claude Avenue features many striking pieces of wall art that make for a visually engaging stroll. Garden District and Lower Garden District: While these areas are more residential and known for their historic homes, you can still find intriguing street art along the main thoroughfares and on Magazine Street. Oak Street: In the Carrollton neighborhood, Oak Street is an emerging location for street art, boasting murals that contribute to the distinct vibe of the area. Keep an eye out for works by local artists such as Brandan "Bmike" Odums, whose murals often celebrate African American culture and history, and Henry Lipkis, known for his large, colorful, and detailed community murals. To see the evolution of street art in real-time, you might consider visiting during Art for Art's Sake, an annual fall arts festival, or taking a street art tour led by locals who can provide insights into the artists and stories behind the murals. Remember that street art can be transient, with new pieces appearing and old ones disappearing, making every visit to the city a unique opportunity to see something new.
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