NEW ORLEANS: A GUMBO OF MUSIC,
CULTURE, AND HISTORY
Orbit Leisure
Nestled on a bend of the Mississippi River, New Orleans offers long-lasting
influences of French, Spanish and African ancestry. With a past well-
preserved in its architecture, music, food and lifestyles, New Orleans is most
famous for its Mardi Gras. However, anytime of the year you’ll find New
Orleans alive with ecliptic music, Creole and Cajun cuisine, and
unique nightlife.
History & Culture
The city has changed demographically
in recent years, but it still maintains the
quirkiness that made it famous. Founded
by the French, the state of Louisiana was
ruled for 40 years by the Spanish before
being acquired by the United States in 1803.
It was a place where Africans, enslaved and
free, and American Indians shared cultures
and intermingled with European settlers.
Isolation nurtured the ethnic mix, resulting
in a united culture vastly different to the
English colonies of further north. The
culture of New Orleans is often referred
to as a gumbo. A classic New Orleans stew
of various meats and vegetables, gumbo
perfectly reflects the people of
New Orleans.
Festivals
Mardi Gras - February
New Orleans signature event was
introduced to the city by its French settlers.
Celebrations include almost daily parades,
entertainment, and festivities that increase
in intensity. Onlookers crowd the balconies
and sidewalks to watch the parades, as
strings of beaded necklaces are thrown from
ornate floats. The aim is for members of the
crowd to gather as many beaded necklaces
as possible. Bourbon Street is one of the
main areas people congregate, nonetheless
the whole French Quarter is generally
packed. Most hotels in New Orleans sell out
months before Mardi Gras, so make sure
you book well in advance.
Cajun-Zydeco Festival - June
With two stages of music, a huge crafts
fair, and great food, the Cajun-Zydeco
Fest is a dance-happy celebration. Cajun
music has its roots in styles and traditions
brought over from Europe more than 200
years ago. Cajun relies heavily on fiddles,
guitars, accordions and crooning vocals to
convey its distinctive sound. Zydeco evolved
from Cajun and sometimes uses the same
instruments. Often other instruments are
added though, such as washboards and
horns. In addition to Cajun, Zydeco also
includes the sounds of soul, R&B, rock,
jazz, gospel and even hip-hop. And in case
you’re wondering—yes, Cajun food is also
served up at the festival.
Sights
The French Quarter
Initially a trading camp, New Orleans was
later organised into a fortified community,
now known as the French Quarter. The
old buildings, some dating back 300 years,
show French influences with arcades,
wrought-iron balconies, red-tiled roofs,
and picturesque courtyards. The French
Quarter’s main draw card is Bourbon
Street—New Orleans’ infamous party hub.
You’ll find this street laden with street
performers and fortune tellers as well as
rowdy bars. If you’d prefer a tamer, family
friendly, French Quarter experience, opt
for a day tour. Not to be missed in the
French Quarter are Jackson Square and St
Louis Cathedral.
The Garden District
The Garden District is a prosperous
residential area. Live oaks, wrought
iron, pillars, and porticos are some of the
aristocratic details of the Garden District.
A neighbourhood of spectacular 19th-
century mansions built in styles ranging
from Greek Revival to Gothic. Accessible
from downtown via the St. Charles line
streetcar, the Garden District is made for
exploring. Make sure to take the time to
tour Lafayette Cemetery #1, quite possibly
the most photogenic necropolis on the
planet. And ensure you rese rve a table
at local favourite, Commander’s Palace,
located across the street from the tombs.
Winter Edition
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