Page 44 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - New Orleans

42  INTRODUCING Ne w O R lea N s

NEW ORLEANS THROUGH
THE YEAR

The spring and fall, enjoying the most Bastille Day, and New Year’s eve. at
temperate weather, are the best times to Christmas time, local restaurants celebrate
visit. although the pace slows with the with traditional French “Reveillon” dinners.
heat of the summer, the city is still alive The high points of the year, however, are
with indoor and outdoor events. some Mardi Gras, with all the Carnival festivities
festivities celebrate themes specific to New stretching from January to as late as early
Orleans, such as the French Quarter Festival March, and the New Orleans Jazz and
in april. The city also throws parties for Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest) in late april
the major holidays, especially 4th of July, and early May.

and end with the last parade on discussions on New Orleans
Spring Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday,” or based authors and books.
During the spring, the weather the Tuesday before Lent). There Don’t miss the “Stella and
is at its best in New Orleans, are day and night parades, and Stanley” screamfest held
neither too hot nor too humid. masked balls (few of which are in Jackson Square (www.
There are two main events in open to the public). The whole tennesseewilliams.net).
the city, both of which are city is in party mode, so it’s
internationally renowned: advisable to book hotels well in
Mardi Gras, with its parades, advance (for parade dates and
street celebrations, and times see www.mardigras.com).
masked balls all over the city, St. Patrick’s Day Parade
and the Jazz Fest, which is held (weekend before and on Mar 17).
over two long weekends. It The city commemorates
is very important to have Ireland’s famous patron saint
confirmed reservations for with parades through the
transportation and lodging French Quarter, Irish Channel,
during this peak season. and Old Metairie Road, where
cabbages are thrown to the
March public. An all-day street party
Mardi Gras (Feb, dates vary). around Parasol’s Bar in the
The lively Carnival festivities Irish Channel takes place on
(see pp30–31) begin two or St. Patrick’s Day itself. A huge jazz brunch at the French
three weeks before Mardi Gras St. Joseph’s Day (on and Quarter Festival
around Mar 19). The city’s
Italian population honors April
the patron saint of Sicily with French Quarter Festival (second
elaborate altars of food. Angelo weekend). To celebrate the food
Brocato’s ice-cream parlor and music of New Orleans, this
(see p179) is one of the best festival is held in the French
places to see an altar. Quarter, with free musical
Crescent City Classic (Sat entertainment, “the world’s
before Easter). Since 1979, largest jazz brunch,” fireworks
world-class runners have over the Mississippi River, and
gathered in New Orleans for children’s activities (www.
this 10,000-meter race from frenchquarterfestivals.org).
the French Quarter to City Park. Spring Fiesta (begins Fri night
Thousands of amateur runners after Easter, lasting five days).
join in (www.ccc10k.com). With the French Quarter’s
Tennessee Williams New historic homes as the main
Orleans Literary Festival and attraction, this celebration
Writers’ Conference (late Mar). also has a parade that ends with
This five-day cultural festival the coro nation of a local queen.
takes place in various locations New Orleans Jazz and Heritage
to honor the celebrated writer, Festival (Jazz Fest) (last
with theatrical productions, weekend in Apr and first weekend
A family dressed in colorful Mardi lectures, readings, literary in May). In this seven-day
Gras costumes walking tours, and panel festival, held at the Fair Grounds,

042-043_EW_New_Orleans.indd 42 13/08/14 2:11 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Seasonal template “UK” LAYER
(SourceReport v1.8)
Date 30th September 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm