New Orleans, the epicenter of jazz music, gumbo, partying and Mardi Gras. New Orleans has a vast history and many amazing landmarks and culture to visit.
Founded around 1718, New Orleans culture is a mix of French, Spanish and African influences. Famous foods of New Orleans like gumbo, etoufee and sea food boil are a mix of all the influences from enslaved people to immigrants. New Orleans is known for their lively jazz music playing around every corner, New Orleans Jazz rose to fame in the late 1890s-1910s with musical pioneers like Buddy Bolden. The city is also known for their interesting and beautiful landmarks like The Jackson Square, St Louis Cemetery No.1, voodoo shops and Bourbon Street.
“There is no place on earth even remotely like New Orleans. Don’t even try to compare it to anywhere else.”-Anthony Boursain
New Orleans has a rich history incorporating mixes of French, Spanish, Native American and African influences. Founded around 1718 by Jean-Baptsite Le Moyne De Bienville. Later after the Seven years war Spain took control and improved the architecture of the city. Later from the 1800s-1900s the US bought New Orleans through the Louisiana Purchase and became a major trade hub for cotton with the creation of plantations and imports of enslaved Africans. New Orleans has faced many devastating hardships including the 1853 yellow fever epidemic killing thousands, years of brutal inhuman slavery and discrimination and the 2005 Hurricane Katrina, flooding 80% of the city and killing over 2000 people.
“If you love New Orleans, she’ll love love you back.”- Drew Brees
Etoufee, po’boys, gumbo, jambalaya and beignets are just a few of the delicious New Orleans staples. Many of New Orleans’ food is influenced by French, African, Spanish and Caribbean flavors. The enslaved people bring okra, rice and deep frying while the French and Spanish bring spices, sauces and techniques. Staple restaurants in New Orleans that everyone should try is, The Commander’s Palace, Cafe Du Monde, Napoleon House and Central Grocery.
“Everytime I close my eyes blowing that trumpet of mine, I look right into the hearts of good old New Orleans. It has given me something to live for.”- Louis Armstrong
New Orleans is bustling with live music all around the city at all hours. Jazz originated during the late 19th century by african americans mixing african rhythms and european musical traditions. Many say jazz started when cornetist Buddy Bolden started a band and helped the genre of jazz and ragtime evolve. Many jazz ledges originated from New Orleans like Louis Armstrong or Jelly Roll Morton and helped the music evolve and stay alive. The city is full of concert halls, jazz bars/ clubs, New Orleans Jazz Festival and jazz museum.
“ In spring 1988 I returned to New Orleans, and as soon as I smelled the air I knew I was home.”- anne rice
New Orleans is full of long lasting and beautiful historical buildings and interesting places to learn about the history, atmosphere and culture. Jackson square is a historic, musical and artistic square in the heart of the french quarter. It is home of the beautiful 300 year old St.Louis Cathedral and the famous bronze statue of Andrew Jackson. The St Louis Cemetery No.1 full of voodoo and history is a popular tourist attraction to see the people who made New Orleans and to pay respects. It is home to the famous voodoo queen Marie Laveau, not yet deceased American comedian Nicolas Cage and many more. Another thing New Orleans is known for is voodoo. Some people may think that it’s just spooky sacrifices and such but it is actually a beautiful practice full of many influences and cultures. With West African, Haitian and Roman Catholic influences. The city is full of many voodoo shops and museums to learn about voodoo and beautiful spirituality. Bourbon Street is the pinnacle of partying, drinks and loud music. Bourbon street is full of live music, clubs , bars, and people of all ages trying to get riled up with the New Orleans spirit
New Orleans is a bright vibrant city full of fun people, art, live music and flavorful food. It is a hub of many historical figures and a mix of cultures all over the world combined to create a rich, long and unique history and culture. It is such an indescribable place that no article could ever truly show the atmosphere that it is.