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Category: New Orleans (page 1 of 3)

Fully Krewed—The Traditions of Mardi Gras

With the 2017 Mardi Gras season upon us, the new year promises that even more individuals from all corners of the world will flock to New Orleans to witness the massive lineup of parades. However, many may visit for the spectacle of the festival without being entirely aware how Mardi Gras works. If you’re considering visiting New Orleans and aren’t sure what to expect, or are just looking to gain a little insight into what the festival is all about, I’d like to delve into the practical ins and outs of Mardi Gras!

What is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is a celebration with ties to both Christian and Pagan traditions. It is held on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent, marking a day of excess before giving up unhealthy food and drink. However, the season officially begins on January 6th, with multiple days of parades planned between them and Fat Tuesday.

The festival has certainly escalated since its estimated inception in the days of ancient Rome. Modern New Orleans traditions include the throwing of trinkets to awaiting crowds—a practice so popular that trees on the street are often decorated with beads for months after—to exclusive balls celebrating the city’s young debutantes. Now more of a cultural phenomenon than a religious festival, Mardi Gras remains a large draw for visitors to Louisiana to this day.

The Culture Behind Mardi Gras

The groups of people that set up floats and throw balls are called krewes. Part party planning committee and part community service organization, krewe members pay dues to finance their activities during the festival.

Generally, invitation to the aforementioned balls is based on who you know in the krewes. Though some offer public tickets, don’t count on getting invited to a Mardi Gras ball unless you have connections (or can make friends fast!).

King Cake

A traditional aspect of Mardi Gras is the serving of king cake at various functions. January sixth is also known as “the Feast of the Epiphany” and is also the first time that king cakes are eaten during the festival.

The cake itself resembles a doughnut and is comprised of cinnamon-laced dough topped with icing and colored sugar, traditionally in purple, green, and gold. These three colors traditionally represent justice, faith, and power, respectively.

Perhaps the most unusual aspect of the cake is the inclusion of a small baby figurine inside, representative of the baby Jesus. Whoever receives the slice of cake with the figurine is treated like royalty for the evening, but is also obligated to purchase the next cake. In other countries, the baby is often replaced by a pea or a bean.

Where to go on Mardi Gras?

In a broader sense, many cities across the world celebrate Mardi Gras, though New Orleans is the most famous for the practice. If you’re looking to get a sense of how the festival is celebrated elsewhere, check out Baton Rouge, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Cologne, Germany.

In New Orleans, the bulk of the celebration is held in the city’s French Quarter, and is renowned for being family-friendly despite the prevalence of alcohol during the festival. Bourbon Street, as the name suggests, is home to the raunchier Mardi Gras crowds; but the rest of the quarter is lined with families looking to take in the spectacle of parades.

What else do I need to know?

Be smart and be safe!

Despite being a tradition dating back centuries, Mardi Gras is fairly loose and not particularly stringent about the behavior of its revelers. That said, expect a lot of costumes from attendants; even if you’re from out of town, consider joining in the festivities by dressing up! There are no particular limits on how to dress, but many of the popular costumes are satirical or humorous. If you happen to be invited to a ball, the requirements are much stricter, requiring gowns and tuxedos for guests.

Mardi Gras isn’t just a celebration; it’s a cultural staple that defines New Orleans as a city and something that everybody should experience.

The Saints of Baton Rouge

Todd BernerThe past year has been a trying time for America. With police officers having shot and killed over 800 victims, 43 of which were unarmed, the country has seen an unnerving racial divide between African-American men and police officers. Fortunately, the New Orleans Saints and former NFL running back, Warrick Dunn, are looking to mend the still fresh wounds by uniting both sides.

On July 5th, 2016, Alton Sterling, an African-American and Baton Rouge native male was shot and killed by at least one police officer, according to The New York Times. After a video of Sterling’s murder went viral, it sent shockwaves not only through the state of Louisiana, but through the country as a whole. Then, not less than two weeks later, three police officers were killed by Gavin Long, an African-American male who openly expressed his frustration with police killings of African-Americans, in Baton Rouge, shaking the city to its core.

This hit all too close to home for Warrick Dunn, whose mother was a police officer killed while on duty. Dunn, whose NFL career spanned 11 years playing for both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons, made it his mission to bring unity at a time when it was sorely needed. Being from Baton Rouge, Dunn used his connections in the NFL to partner with the New Orleans Saints in order to help ease tensions in Louisiana. And what greater way to do so than through one of Louisiana’s greatest prides?

The Saints and Dunn invited both Cameron Sterling–Alton Sterling’s 15-year-old son–and Dechia Gerald–wife of fallen police officer Matthew Gerald–to attend both the Saints practice meeting as well as the team’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

In a video aired on the NFL Network documenting the hopeful meeting, Dunn shared his thoughts on the situation and his motivation, stating, “I understand the issues of being a young black man in the community, but I also know that there’s a lot of great police officers. My mom was that type of person. People can unite and put their differences aside. We do it all the time on the football field.”

After the Saints’ practice meeting, Sean Payton, the team’s head coach, brought Dunn, Sterling and Gerald onto the field and reminded them of their similarities. “There’s three things you have in common: You’re from Baton Rouge, you’re Saints fans and you lost loved ones to gun violence.”

This somber moment reflects the tight and powerful community that makes up Louisiana. Regardless of the pain and frustration that is being experienced by many, the close-knit people of New Orleans and the surrounding area can always count on the Saints to bring them together.

This isn’t the first time the Saints have eased the pain of tragedy in New Orleans. After Hurricane Katrina rocked “The Big Easy” in 2005, killing almost 1,500 people and leaving tens of thousands homeless, one moment managed to lift the spirits of an entire city. On September 25, 2006, while the city was still recovering, then Saints safety Steve Gleason blocked a punt from the Saints’ rival, the Atlanta Falcons. This single play gave hope and spirit back to the devastated city of New Orleans and was, in many respects, a well-deserved rebirth.   

Bradley’s Going to Swansee

American soccer is exponentially increasing in popularity across the country. As a result, immense stadiums are sprouting up in cities from Minneapolis to Miami and with these crowds comes a remarkably higher level of competition. MLS athletes are performing at a level not previously seen in the league’s short-lived history, and now—they are beginning to be recognized for such.

Bob Bradley, 58, started his career in the United States with the Chicago Fire, then moved through the ranks from the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, to Chivas USA, and finally to the US Men’s National Team. In 2010, Bradley managed the USMNT to a spot in the 16th round at 2010 World Cup, overcoming England for the top spot in the group. He is best remembered, however, for his signature win over Spain at the 2009 Confederations Cup, a 2-0 victory enshrined in the annals of soccer history.

He soon went on to coach the top caliber Stabek squad in 2015, and even managed to lead them to qualify for the Europa League. His accomplishments did not go unnoticed and now he’s been selected to oversee Swansea City in none other than the Premier League. Considering his record is less extensive than many in the Premier League (and it’s speculated Swansea City’s American owners exhibited bias), his prospective performance is already subject to severe scrutiny.

The pressure, in particular, will be exponentially higher than any Bradley has thus far endured, at least in regards to publicity. When Bradley presided over a national team in Egypt back in 2011, he was forced to overcome the Egyptian revolution in addition to the Port Said stadium catastrophe, an event that saw the suspension of the Egyptian Premier League. So Bradley is no stranger to pressure. Whether or not he is able to deftly manage global scrutiny, however, remains to be seen.

Regardless, Swansea City can expect to see a few things as Bradley assumes his role. They will likely be incredibly organized. Plus, Bradley has a particular inclination for maximizing the ability of the players beneath him in addition to identifying outside talent that can be put to good use. He demonstrated such recruiting skills during his time with both the United States and Egyptian leagues. So, it stands to reason these universal skills will benefit him with Swansea City as well.

Bob Bradley’s ascension to the Premier League is an outstanding achievement not just for him, but for American soccer as a whole. It signifies our increasing role on the world soccer stage.

Brees to Remain

Earlier this month, New Orleans breathed an audible sigh of relief as Drew Brees committed to continuing his career in a black and gold uniform for at least the next two years.

He signed a five-year extension that offers Brees the opportunity to sign voids after two years and includes a no-trade clause. This reportedly means he is guaranteed to receive $44.25 million, not a bad deal.

What is more important, however, is that the best player in Saint history will continue his path to the Hall of Fame in a Saints uniform. With the Saints already having exhibited an incredible offense in the past few years, this bodes very well for the coming season. Currently, Brees is already fourth on the NFL’s all-time list for passing yards with 60,903, third in all-time for both touchdowns at 428 and completion at 5,635, and first in 5,000 yard seasons with four.

Moreover, this is all on top of Brees’ season last year, his best yet, in which he led the league in passing yards (4,870 over fifteen games), completed 428 of 627 pass attempts (a 68.3% completion rate), had 32 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. With respect to his recent decision, Brees stated,

“Both sides are very happy. Certainly, I’m very happy. I want to play my entire career here and I’m just taking it one step at a time, one year at a time, one opportunity at a time. But this allows me to be around here for a bit longer, and I’ll be here as long as they’ll have me.”

Although contract negotiations were likely a bit more dramatic than necessary, it does seem to have paid off (literally) for both sides. Not only do the Saints get to continue taking advantage of Drew Brees’ outstanding career, but Brees gets to stay where he feels more comfortable. As he said himself, he wants to complete the rest of his career in the Big Easy—it’s just a matter of the right opportunity at the right time.

I, for one, am very excited Brees has decided to remain for at least the next two seasons. He’s not just the leader of the Saints. He’s also a legend in New Orleans.

The Indiscernible Saints

Entering training camp this season, there is a sense of uncertainty surrounding the New Orleans’ Saints and what the future holds for them. Aside from the fact that Brees is sure to play for the Saints this offseason, there is really not much that is known for sure. Yet, the Saints are constantly full of surprises, both good and bad.

Take 2014, for instance. Many NFL commentators and analysts believed the Saints could not only go to the Super Bowl, but win it. Many thought their 2014 roster was the best collection of talent on a Saints roster in recent memory. Their 7-9 record points to the contrary.

2015 was a bit more predictable. Recently suffering the loss of Junior Galette, the Saints were clearly poised for a rebuilding year, and this time their record agrees: they went 7-9, again, a kind of cold reinforcement of the year before. This year, however, could go a number of different ways, and the Saints’ staff agrees. Payton, Looms, and the remainder of the team and staff all agree that there is a murky haze pulled over what this season has in store.

Questioned if there were more questions surrounding this upcoming year than seasons past, Payton conceded, “Look there are certain areas we’re paying attention to, nut I don’t know if we’d sit down and list specifically [areas of concern].” More to the point, Payton and particular was cited saying “Obviously we’ve had teams that were better than what we thought we’d have at this point and then teams that we felt real good about that underachieved or weren’t as good as we expected. So we’ll kind of get started and get a chance to see what we’ve got. There’s a process involved with that, but I think that’s the exciting part of training camp.”

Honestly, it sounds like Payton is picturing the 2014 season as he said his answer. If I had to guess, I would think that he is happy with what they’ve put together so far but is hesitant to make any bold proclamations considering the disappointing result of a couple years ago. Loomis said something interesting as well.

“I think there’s always jobs available; and jobs sometimes mean roster spots, sometimes they mean more roster spots and sometimes it means, ‘Hey, who’s going to be the starter? Or who’s going to be the contributor?” He went on in much the same fairly ambiguous tone.

It largely seems like Loomis is alluding that there may more open positions on the team this training camp, open positions in the sense of role players, who’s going to step up and who may fall off. The opportunities are certainly available, and now is the time, if any, for a perhaps unexpected player to make a statement, to take control and take their game to the next level.

While I understand this idea is a perpetual notion in sports, that there is always an opportunity for unknown players to make themselves known, I am saying that this season, in particular, and the shrouded atmosphere of obscurity enveloping it, presents an especially conducive environment for such a development. In fact, the last time the Saints missed the postseason two consecutive years, they returned to claim the championship in 2009.

Only time will tell; but the indiscernible undercurrents of this training season may just provide the perfect chance for an unexpected, though highly welcome, player to emerge.

Architecture of The Crescent City

New Orleans is without a doubt a city of great beauty. The fabled Mississippi River runs alongside the bustling metropolis, bringing with it prosperous trade and people from all different cultures, heritages, and ethnicities. Cobblestone streets are lined with both modern skyscrapers and traditional homes. Terraces with wrought-iron fences and vibrant flowers hang just above passerby pedestrians. In fact, it is likely New Orleans’ architecture that most overtly distinguishes The Crescent City from its sibling southern metropolises. With a fascinating blend of both past and present styles, the Big Easy is one of the most extraordinary exhibitions of architecture the world over.

Creole Cottage

This noticeable trend in building style is generally composed of one and a half story buildings that are set at ground level. With a steeply-pitched roof and a well-balanced four-opening facade, they usually lie close to the property line. Their stucco exterior provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance for both those walking by and those driving by.

Shotgun House

A narrow home not meant for commercial use, these houses are typically not over 12 feet wide and have doors at each end. Initially created in The Big Easy itself, this residential style spread like wildfire and can be seen throughout the metropolis. In fact, the earliest shotgun house developed was at 937 St. Andrews St and was constructed in 1848. Their popularity persisted throughout the 1920s.

One can identify shotgun houses because there are usually only one-story, are narrow, and rest on brick piers. Most claim a narrow porch area that is complemented by a roof apron that stands on columns and brackets. Said columns and brackets are generally decorated with subtle lacy Victorian motifs. While many variations of the pervasive shotgun house exist, they are all characterized by these basic stylistic elements.

Double-Gallery House

Erected mostly in New Orleans from 1820 to 1850, these two-story houses very often have either a side-gabled or a hipped roof. They usually lie away from the property line and have a two-story gallery that is framed and distinguished by unique entablature. The facade, on the other hand, has an imbalanced arrangement of its various entrances. Initially, these homes were constructed as a variation of the American townhouses that are located throughout the Garden District, Uptown, and Esplanade Ridge. Interestingly enough, all three of the aforementioned neighborhoods were considered suburbs throughout the 1800s.

New Orleans is home to a variety of architectural styles that can capture the imagination of even the most established designers. With an endless capacity for inspiration, The Big Easy has, does, and will continue to attract some of the most inventive architects throughout the world for ages to come.

The Historic Sites of New Orleans

The city of New Orleans is known for many things. Bourbon Street. Mardi Gras. Po Boys’. Yet, it also has a refined sense of history and culture that all too often goes neglected. The Big Easy played a role of tremendous significance in the Civil War. It was at the center of the Louisiana Purchase. It made, for better or worse, Andrew Jackson’s political career. Truly, it has time and time again proved itself to be of tremendous influence in turning the very tide of United States history. Below are a few sites of immeasurable significance located in America’s favorite city below sea-level:

Chalmette Battlefield

The site of Andrew Jackson’s victory, Chalmette Battlefield is just a mere seven miles downriver from the French Quarter. Stroll through the formerly blood-soaked grounds to gain some perspective on the fabled conflict. Let history immerse you and read up on what made Chalmette Battlefield the fabled battleground it has become today. For convenience’s sake, you may want to hire a tour guide to lead you through so that you can absorb the site around you while absorbing the information that makes this land so special in the first place.

Jackson Square

Of course, if you are going to visit Chalmette Battlefield, you absolutely must take a walk through Jackson Square. Not uncommonly referred to as the heart of New Orleans, Jackson Square is full of the thriving and pulsating energy that makes New Orleans New Orleans to begin with. Young students and longtime residents alike relax in the sun at this cultural and historical center. Andrew Jackson’s statue rises with authority, reminding Crescent City’s inhabitants of his authoritative presence for all time. Not to mention, once night falls (and sometimes before), the smooth sounds of jazz electrify the square with dancing, upbeat tunes, and euphoric smiles. Take advantage.

Garden District

The relaxing atmosphere that encompasses the Garden District is may seem like some far-flung place from the activity of the New Orleans metropolis, but, in reality, it is just along St. Charles avenue and Magazine Street. With wrought iron fences and classical antebellum homes, the chivalry and elegance of the South have never been more prevalent. Stroll down wide and luxurious sidewalks while looking on the metropolis’ initial aristocratic residential district. With affordable transit to the French Quarter and the Lafayette cemetery, the Garden District is a neighborhood you have no excuse to miss.

New Orleans has never ceased to surprise me. Its vivacious energy, unparalleled and unique beauty, and congenial population is an unmatched experience no one should go without.

The Haunting Nights of New Orleans Ghost Tours

New Orleans is known for many things: music, food, history. Yet, one very intriguing aspect of New Orleans history is not often articulated, and that is the city’s vast array of ghost tours. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, it is certain that there is something unnerving about pacing through historic cemeteries, meandering through former murderous establishments, and strutting along ghostly cobblestone streets. Below are listed some of the most captivating ghost tours in the city for those who are inclined to push their limits.

Witches Brew Tours

With over three decades of experience, the reputable Witches Brew Tours boasts some of the most eerie, most haunting, and most interesting ghostly explorations in the metropolis. The guides themselves are incredibly talented and committed to their role. Although theatrical, their efforts help to make the tour a fully immersive experience that is not soon to be forgotten. While there is, to say the least, a number of ghost tour companies available in the city, I would be hard pressed to name one more worth your time than Witches Brew Tours.

Haunted History/Ghost Tour

With a wealth of options available, the Haunted History/Ghost Tour companies offers ghost, vampire, and cemetery tours for those looking to engage with potentially otherworldly spirits. The tour guides are immensely knowledgeable, providing haunting detail with every establishment and area visited. Additionally, it should be noted that when traveling through the French Quarter, tour participants will see the voodoo queen Marie Laveaux’s tomb, a vital part to any trip in the Big Easy.

French Quarter Phantoms

Always in competition with aforementioned Haunted History/Ghost Tour, French Quarter Phantoms provides a nearly unparalleled haunting trip through time. Historically accurate, the tour is not only vastly entertaining but insightfully educational. Appropriate for all ages, the theatricality of this tour is diminished to a lesser degree than in others. In fact, the real fear comes at the hand of stone cold incontrovertible truth. To listen is to feel the transparent hand of the supernatural prickle your skin goosebump by goosebump.

The next time you find yourself in the Crescent City, take advantage of these notably eerie supernatural awakenings. The green isn’t always greener on the other side; and it’s time you found that out for yourself.

Jazz Clubs of The Big Easy

New Orleans is a city of rich tradition, of vivacious culture, and of exquisite cuisine. Yet, it is perhaps its fantastic music scene that has contributed the most to its renown as a town of fine culture. Considered to be born in The Big Easy, jazz, in particular, can be heard regularly throughout the thriving metropolis. Since the city’s inception, even going as far back as to the Congo Square, the improvisational music form has been an inherent fixture of The Crescent City’s nearly palpable culture.  The next time you’re strolling through this historic city’s famed streets, pop your head into one of the below beloved establishments. You’re sure to be glad you did.

Preservation Hall

Known specifically for its traditional roots, Preservation Hall has played host to nearly innumerable famous musicians. A legendary venue, the building merely requires one to reserve tickets at least 24 hours in advance for any one of its three engaging nightly events. 45 minutes each and starting at 8, 9, or 10 pm, these shows are an impeccable option for entertainment regardless of age.  In fact, Preservation Hall is an alcohol-free venue, making it the perfect option for families.

Fritzel’s European Jazz Club

Although Fritzel’s is on the rambunctious Bourbon Street, that is no reason the discount the elegant Jazz overtures flowing from its open windows on any given night. Traditional and played for the most part by an in-house band, this club takes care to preserve the quality of music played in addition to continuously cultivating its already prestigious reputation. While the crowd may be slightly boisterous, their voices by no means drown out the wonderful music filling the halls.

Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse

More upscale than aforementioned Fritzel’s, this elegant lounge bar resides in the heart of the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Known for its iconic performer, the famed Grammy recipient Irvin Mayfield, the playhouse has garnered the reputation it has for good reason. Even when Mayfield isn’t there himself to dazzle crowds, other jazz forefathers make regular appearances, ensuring a night spend at the playhouse is never a night wasted.

Truly, New Orleans is home to some of the finest music in the world; and all you need to know is where to look.

A Brief History of New Orleans (Contd.)

Emerging from our nation’s domestic bloodbath relatively unscathed compared to most, New Orleans strutted into the 20th century with gusto. Electricity was all the buzz, lighting street lamps in the nighttime and powering streetcars at all times. The age of industry enveloped the booming metropolis, introducing innovative pump technology that helped to drain the surrounding swampland. New levees and drainage canals let residents live below sea level. Technology was providing a glimpse of our modern world.

Unfortunately, after World War II and during the height of social revolution, NOLA’s traditional roots took hold and resisted what, at the time, were progressive notions of racial equality. Enduring an embittered battle of character, New Orleans eventually grew with the rest of the country. Although many caucasian Crescent City natives emigrated in response to suburbanization and left many African-American residents impoverished and under-equipped, the city retained its global renown as a cultural center.

By popularizing Mardi Gras to the international event it has become, the city was able to create and cultivate an immense tourism industry. Literally hundreds of thousands of people would (and still do for that matter) fill the streets to the brim, running amok with excitement as they witnessed traditional and contemporary parades. In fact, this culture that is so unique to New Orleans has even inspired names as big as playwright Tennessee Williams, trumpeter Louis Armstrong, and chef Jean Galatoire, to name but a few.

Tragically and most recently, The Big Easy was devastated by Hurricane Katrina on August 29th, 2005. Guided by ill-preparation and lack of adept leadership, the metropolis was largely destroyed, with rising water levels flooding literally 80% of the city. With hundreds killed and thousands trapped, elected officials and government agencies attempted to make up for lost ground. However, the damage was done. A year after the hurricane in 2009, only half of the city’s former residents had returned home.

While the metropolis may still be recovering from tragedy even to this day, it has never lost its tradition, its culture, its heart. The warm sounds of live music still fill the air. Steaming hot Po’Boys still taste of delicious satisfaction. Bourbon Street still beckons the young and the restless. I can only hope future generations find the same fascination, the same passion and the same love for New Orleans that I have.