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The Many Festivals Of New Orleans

By Jesse Henson

While the most world-renowned festival that occurs is New Orleans is without a doubt Marti Gras, the city has a ton of festivals held throughout the year. Communities surrounding New Orleans host a number of festivals each year as well. The festivals of New Orleans and the surrounding communities celebrate the history, culture, and ecology of the city of New Orleans, the state of Louisiana, and the people who live there.

Culture, Cuisine and Libations As with any people, those who live in New Orleans understand the importance of their ecology as a strong part of their social, economic and cultural history. New Orleans is a city that loves food and drink and has a long history during which many distinct cultures merged. Many of the festivals which take place in the city and its surrounding communities celebrate the foods, beverages and traditions of each of the cultures that have contributed to New Orleans' history.

Some of these festivals celebrate the importance of a particular animal in traditional Louisiana culture and cuisine. These include the annual Duck Festival in Gueydan, LA and the Oyster Festival of Amite, LA. Others, like the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival of New Orleans, celebrate the economic impact of natural resources on the history of the city, the state, and the people of the region. The Shrimp and Petroleum Festival is held in Morgan City, LA and celebrates the beginning of shrimp harvesting season each year.

Cultural festivals celebrate the diverse heritage of the city of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana. These festivals often include food, beverages, music and dance performances, educational events, and demonstrations.

The Black Heritage Festival of Lake Charles, LA is a celebration of traditional African American food, music, art, history and culture held in early March each year. Louisiana Swap Festival occurs in early November at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans and celebrates the history, culture, music and food of South Louisiana. French Festival, a one-day event in early March, is a prime destination for those who love French music and cuisine.

The Burlesque Festival is an annual event in New Orleans, held in mid-September, and celebrates the history and tradition of burlesque performances in the city. It includes comedians as emcees and features singing performances in addition to three nights of traditional risque burlesque entertainment. There are educational and entertaining activities each day of the festival as well.

Called the Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans' Southern Decadence attracts more than 100,000 gay, lesbian, transgendered and bisexual participants each year and includes many of the same activities as the traditional Mardi Gras celebration. It is held over the course of three days during the Labor Day weekend each year, though unofficial events are held the week prior as well.

New Orleans is a city that loves its food and drinks, and a variety of festivals are held each year in celebration of specific types of food and beverages. Tales of the Cocktail, an annual festival in celebration of historic New Orleans hotels, bars and restaurants and their cultural impact on the region, takes place in late July each year. The Seafood Festival features live music and fine local cuisine for three days in early September in downtown New Orleans. The French Quarter hosts its own wine festival each year in late February and attracts enthusiasts from around the world.

Music Festivals Many of the music festivals that take place each year in New Orleans and its surrounding communities focus on a single type of traditional music. The Cajun Music Festival held in Mamou, LA each February is designed to revive and maintain the presence of Cajun culture in Louisiana. The Essence Music Festival focuses on contemporary African American music and recognizes its historic roots in New Orleans. Satchmo Summerfest celebrates the life and contributions of Louis Armstrong and includes music on four stages in addition to educational and dining activities.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is a week-long celebration of Louisiana history, culture and music. Taking place in late April each year, JazzFest features more than 600 performances on 11 stages. Festivities include arts and crafts displays, educational workshops, parades, and traditional cuisine.

Other music festivals in the region celebrate the contribution of Louisiana and New Orleans to the development of all types of American music. These include Ponderosa Stomp in late September and the French Quarter Festival in early April.

Voodoo Music Festival is held over Halloween weekend and features more than 150 musical performances on several stages. This event occurs over three days in the City of New Orleans City Park and features contemporary music in every genre.

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