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New
Orleans, the birthplace of Jazz: possibly the most fascinating city on the
North American continent. True, New Orleans is a commercial and financial
center and one of the world’s major seaports. And, true, the downtown is
replete with shirts and ties but most people come to New Orleans to have
fun. And, rarely, is anyone disappointed!
While
the most famous celebration is Mardi Gras (see right column), there is a
seemingly endless succession of celebrations through the year. As unusual
as the city, All Saints Day, a city-wide holiday in November, sees the
city’s cemeteries come to life. Families decorate all the graves with
flowers, and, following an old Creole custom, stroll around, arm-in-arm,
‘honoring their dead’.
As
are most cities, New Orleans has identifiable districts each different
from the rest. Most notable, of course, is the French Quarter. The area
still has the 18th Century look and feel with its narrow
sidewalks and graceful, wrought iron faced balconies. The Garden District,
settled by Americans after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, is more open,
tree-lined with magnificent houses and gardens. Other areas include
Uptown, site of Audubon Park, Tulane and Loyola Universities. City Park on
the north side and the Lakefront which is north of City Park. |
Mardi
Gras, an early, pre-spring fiesta, seems to have evolved from the ancient
Roman custom of merrymaking prior to a season of fast. Practiced
extensively by Roman Catholics through the centuries as the party before
Lent. The celebration has transcended to become a universal event among
many.
Though
Rio de Janeiro is the site of the largest and most famous Mardi Gras
celebration, New Orleans is the primary site in North America. While the
celebrating does start in early January, the climax is on Mardi Gras Day*,
or “Shrove Tuesday” (which, in 2003, falls on 4 March).
There
are many parties and festivities and the famous parades. As this is a very
popular celebration, hotel reservations should be made well in advance. A
word of caution: vehicular traffic is prohibited in most of the
celebration area and parking about impossible – unless you are a guest
(e.g., of a hotel in the area) and have a special pass which allows your
vehicle to pass the police barricades.
*future
'Mardi Gras dates' are:
24 Feb 2004, 6 Feb 2005 and 28 Feb 2006
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