Southern Decadence started thirty-eight years ago as a simple going-away party. As a top gay Labor Day Weekend destination, it has evolved into one of our world's major annual events. One of the largest annual celebrations in New Orleans, it has become known as the "Gay Mardi Gras." People begin to arrive on the Wednesday before Labor Day, and generally don't even think about stopping or going home until the following Tuesday. With over 100,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender participants, and an economic impact estimated to be in excess of $100 million, the city has recognized its importance with an Official Proclamation to welcome the event.
The city's wildest neighborhood gets even crazier as the French Quarter is packed for the entire event; however, the big day is Sunday. That's when the Grand Marshal leads the annual parade through the streets beginning at 2 p.m. The 2008 Grand Marshals were Paloma and Tittie Toulouse, and they will return for 2009. The official theme for 2008 was "Decadence Does Disco" and the colors were silver, black and white. Official proclamations for 2009 will be announced soon.
The corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets is generally considered to be the epicenter of Gay New Orleans, and even more so during the Southern Decadence festival weekend. At that intersection is the largest gay nightclub, The Bourbon Pub video bar and The Parade dance club, which is home to the hottest dancers in town. Across the street is Hit Parade Gift and Clothing store. Most of the city's main gay attractions are located within a few blocks of this intersection.
Most street party activities take place in the immediate area of the French Quarter, and the dance parties are in the clubs. And since the gay bars never close, there is something happening around the clock. Some of the nation's best DJs work the crowds into a frenzy. For 2009, the DJ lineup includes Max Rodriguez, Lydia Prim, Don Bishop, Darren Thomas, Jayskee, Brendan Thompson, Chris Allen and Blair Quintana. No wonder the weekend is often referred to as Southern DecaDANCE!
Chi Chi LaRue, the "Diva of Decadence," returns in 2009 for his 12th anniversary. Performance artist Adam Killian coordinates the incredible stage shows. Cult-comedienne Shirley Q. Liquor returns for 2009 performing to sold-out crowds. The legendary Lady Bunny brings her outrageous show to The Bourbon Pub stage on Friday evening. The Bourbon Street Extravaganza returns with a free outdoor concert on Saturday afternoon at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets headlined by recording artist Deborah Cox. DECA-DANCE XXI, the largest dance event of the weekend, is Saturday night upstairs at The Bourbon Pub / Parade, with Pepper Mashay returning for a special performance with the boys of PLAYGIRL. And Sister Roma from San Francisco's Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence returns to co-host Thursday night's Big D**k Contest with Chi Chi LaRue upstairs at The Bourbon Pub.
A Weekend Pass and advance tickets to Shirley Q. Liquor and Lady Bunny will guarantee admission, save money and allow you to avoid general admission lines. Weekend Passes and advance tickets are on sale now.
Southern Decadence started thirty-eight years ago as a simple going-away party. As a top gay Labor Day Weekend destination, it has evolved into one of our world's major annual events. One of the largest annual celebrations in New Orleans, it has become known as the "Gay Mardi Gras." People begin to arrive on the Wednesday before Labor Day, and generally don't even think about stopping or going home until the following Tuesday. With over 100,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender participants, and an economic impact estimated to be in excess of $100 million, the city has recognized its importance with an Official Proclamation to welcome the event.
nation's best DJs work the crowds into a frenzy. For 2009, the DJ lineup includes Max Rodriguez, Lydia Prim, Don Bishop, Darren Thomas, Jayskee, Brendan Thompson, Chris Allen and Blair Quintana. No wonder the weekend is often referred to as Southern DecaDANCE! 