Posted on March 04, 2013 by sguese

Haughty, European, boisterous and third world have all been used to describe New Orleans. A city unlike any other in the United States and perhaps the world, New Orleans often receives titles of the northern most Caribbean city. It is a place where you will have a number of conversations with strangers with its way of life supporting the motto, “Let the good times roll.” Revolving around the French quarter, New Orleans escaped Hurricane Katrina, a devastating hurricane that hit the city hard in 2005. However, New Orleans is a city of the strongest of characters with the best points of view, as reflected in the local’s ability to still have a good time, no matter the situation. You won’t want to miss these parties while in this unique city.

 

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival: The seven day celebration of the heritage of New Orleans’ sounds brings in all sorts, looking to hear it all from jazz to Zydeco to Blues. Across multiple stages, you should be able to find something that is music to your ears. If you aren’t a music fan, the festival sets up over 100 booths with Louisiana and International foods. Get your gumbos and po-boys and listen to some of the best jazz the city has to offer.

 

White Linen Night and Dirty Linen Night: The New Orleans Arts District Association puts on White Linen Night. The annual summer pre-art season celebration takes place along Julia Street, what has come to be known as the Warehouse/Arts District in New Orleans. Galleries with works by local, national and international artists can be found here for the event.

 

If you prefer your linens a bit more tarnished and dirty, New Orleans answers with Dirty Linen Night. The event was created as Royal Street’s answer to the more established White Linen Night. The streets turn into a pedestrian mall for the occasion. You can recognize the shops participating in the event for they will have laundry baskets out front.

 

French Quarter Festival: For three days in New Orleans’ French Quarter, a party rages for the French Quarter Festival. It is considered the biggest free music festival in the South. With great music and food in this historic setting, you can get lost for three days in New Orleans and never leave this festival. Jackson Square sets up with food booths, dishing out crawfish pastas and alligator sausage. There are ten sages in Woldenberg Park, all for music along with performances on Royal and Bourbon Street.

 

Mardi Gras: Of course, the main party in New Orleans is Mardi Gras. Often referred to as the world’s biggest party, the celebration is in honor of Fat Tuesday, the celebrated day before Ash Wednesday to indulge in all of the vices of this city. While Mardi Gras is really just one day, New Orleans celebrates for weeks with parades taking place up to two weeks before the event. If you have booked car hire in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, you should be aware that some traffic restrictions apply.