In the land of voodoo, vampires, and witchcraft, it’s no wonder that America’s most haunted city is rife with tales of restless spirits. Native Americans warned French settlers not to build a city on this “cursed land.” Louisiana Voodoo describes a set of underground religious practices which originated from the traditions of the African diaspora. It is a cultural form of the Afro-American religions which developed within the French, Spanish, and Creole speaking African American population of Louisiana.
Kim Welsh
The Art of Antiquing
May 04, 2015
My best girlfriend and I have been celebrating our April birthdays every year by going "antiquing" on Royal Street. We shop 'til we drop, then plop down for some cocktails and shop some more! As we browse along, walking beneath balconies dripping with Spring flowers, the street's lively aura pulls us in. It showcases our local talents of Dixieland jazz, a puppeteer, a magician, a living statue, a busker strumming a beat-up guitar, and a silver mime"...we are always surprised and delighted by Royal Street happenings.
A Bride's Story
May 04, 2015
Aimee was a lucky lady; she had the world in her hand"... or, as we say in New Orleans, the world was her oyster! She was beautiful, blessed to be born and raised in New Orleans, and was smart as well as motivated. After graduating from LSU, Aimee earned her advanced degree from Tulane and started working as a young professional in the New Orleans community"...but something was missing in her life"....she always dreamed of using her skills to honor and serve her country, so Aimee joined the Air Force as an Officer. While in the service, Aimee met a dashingly handsome young man, "A.
Parading the Vieux Carre
February 05, 2015
The "Greatest Show on Earth," otherwise known as Mardi Gras will be celebrated early this year on February 14th. The biggest free party thrown in North America always falls 46 days before Easter and is the city's most popular attraction. Visitors and locals alike love the party atmosphere, the crowds, costumed revelers, and the camaraderie.
Savor the Holidays, New Orleans Style!
October 27, 2014
In New Orleans, holiday traditions are as thick as roux. Exquisite sights, wonderful Creole food, long-treasured Creole traditions spiced with 21st-century fun, and jazz concerts abound. When Louis Armstrong put his gravelly vocals to smooth brass on the swinging 1955 recording of "Christmas in New Orleans," his voice was like New Orleans itself"... a unique blend of rough edges and refinement. Our well-worn and mightily loved Crescent City is decked out in lights, bows, and sparkle, ready for the season's pageantry.
A Bride's Story
May 06, 2014
What happens when a girl from Atlanta falls in love with a native New Orleanian? Nina Brantley had that distinct pleasure and it led to her fantasy wedding in a town she had never visited before dating Isaac. However, when she came to our charming city she "fell in love with the culture, food, and friendliness of everyone" and instantly knew that it was the perfect place for the wedding of her dreams, surrounded by magnificent landmarks and the rich sounds and history of one of the world's most celebrated cities.
FestiGals... A Festival to Celebrate and Empower Women!
May 06, 2014
This June, women will be heading to the French Quarter to experience one of the country's most unique celebrations centered around women, FestiGals. The annual event takes place Thursday, June 19th through Sunday, June 22nd with a perfect weekend to celebrate life, laughter, and womanhood, and to share ideas, talents, and passions with other like-minded ladies in a city where food, fun and fabulousness abound! This year's theme, "It's All About YOU!" says it all! Early arrivals on Thursday June 19th will be treated to a private opening reception at the historic Hermann-Grimma House.
Stepping Back in Time in the "Paris of the South"
February 11, 2014
Sipping Cafe au Lait while indulging in buttery, golden croissants at the Croissant D'Or Patisserie, we stepped back into a time when time itself was savored and sipping coffee with friends was a special daily ritual. For a moment, we thought that we might walk out the door and see the top of the Tour d'Eiffel peeking at us from behind a row of Haussmann apartment buildings rather than the Ursuline Convent nearby.
Open the Gift of Christmas New Orleans Style
November 05, 2013
In New Orleans, holiday traditions are as thick as roux. Steeped in tradition, much has changed since the 1850s. Before Christmas trees became the fashion spurred by Queen Victoria's example, New Orleanians would typically set a small potted wax myrtle or citrus tree on a table. Trees were decorated with little gifts, paper ornaments and tallow candles. Today, exquisite sights, wonderful Creole food, long-treasured traditions spiced with 21st-century fun and jazz concerts abound.
Irvin Mayfield, Cultural Ambassador for New Orleans
August 02, 2013
At only 35 years old, Irvin Mayfield, Jr. represents the continuity of the unfolding Jazz legacy of New Orleans. This versatile trumpeter, bandleader, composer, arranger, and University of New Orleans professor is on a path to position Jazz at the center of American culture.
Kermit Ruffins, New Orleans' Music Ambassador
April 29, 2013
Proud of his humble roots and contributions to New Orleans music, bandleader, vocalist, and jazz trumpeter Kermit Ruffins claims Louis Armstrong as an early role model. He sings with an off-the-cuff charm that is the spitting image of our beloved Crescent City icon, "Satchmo," as he plays his trumpet with a bright, silvery tone. The jazz served up by our native Orleanian with a sunny disposition is as Louisiana as dirty rice and embodies the very essence of New Orleans jazz.
