Mardi Gras
Noted as the city is for jazz, Cajun and Creole cooking, and the French Quarter, Mardi Gras eclipses all as New Orleans' most famous centerpiece. It has arguably the greatest economic and cultural impact of any event in the city. A time of revelry, fraternity, festivity and unabashed indulgence, Mardi Gras reflects New Orleanians' rich heritage, unleashes the joyous soul of the city and invites everyone to join in the fun. The festival embraces the city's social and cultural variety, from the Mardi Gras Indians to the Zulu parade to the Endymion ball, and brings everyone together in the spirit of revelry. 2006 marked a monumental year for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The 150th anniversary of Carnival was a homecoming for many and a coming out party for the city's renowned hospitality industry.
New Orleans - open for business!
The most celebrated and historic core of the city - including the Faubourg Marigny, French Quarter, Central Business District, Warehouse and Arts District, Magazine Street, Garden District, Audubon Park and Zoo and St. Charles Avenue - not only remains intact, both physically and spiritually, but is thriving. The cultural riches, sensual indulgences and unparalleled service that define the New Orleans experience continue to flourish, as they have for centuries. We are open, fully prepared and eager to welcome all of our visitors again.
The historic and cultural experience that attracts more than 10 million people to New Orleans each year is as rich, charming and welcoming as ever.
The history (well food and music) of New Orleans
Jazz streams out into the moonlight, French doors open to the night breezes, sweet olive scents the air. Nearby there is laughter, a cork popping, and café brűlot aflame.
Welcome to New Orleans.
Here, in this little corner of the American South, where European traditions blend with Caribbean influences, the history is as colorful as the local architecture; the food is the stuff of legend.
Haitian and African Creoles developed an exotic, spicy cuisine and were, uh, instrumental in creating jazz and Zydeco.
We were drinking café au lait 250 years before Seattle steamed its first latté or Starbucks roasted its first bean. Our street names are French and Spanish, our Creole architecture comes in a carnival of tropical colors, and our voodoo is a Caribbean import. The magic is irresistible.
A cultural gumbo, we celebrate our differences. In fact, we celebrate almost anything in the Big Easy. Laissez les bons temps rouler- let the good times roll- is more than a reminder of our French heritage; it's a way of life that began three centuries ago.