New Orleans Cultural Traditions

Red beans and rice on Monday. Jazz funerals. Baby Dolls and debutante balls. New Orleans is a city of habits that over the centuries have evolved into venerable traditions. Such things start small: a brass band jam beneath a Claiborne Avenue overpass, an irreverent Carnival krewe inspired by Star Wars, a Poland Avenue gathering spot that goes from good idea to iconic Sunday night. How ever a New Orleans tradition is born, once established, it becomes cherished – a thing to dote upon and defend. Discover some of New Orleans oldest and newest rituals here.

Mardi Gras Indians (Black Masking Indians)

Discover a brief history of the unique and historically rooted culture of Mardi Gras Indians (also known as Black Masking Indians) in New Orleans.
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The Jazz Funeral

The jazz funeral celebrates life and mourns death. New Orleanians use music as a way to "cut loose" and help heal.
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New Orleans Second Line History - New Orleans & Company

Second lining has been called "the quintessential New Orleans art form – a jazz funeral without a body.” At one time, second line parades were mostly associated with social aid and...
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Voodoo

Discover the origins of Voodoo in New Orleans and how it is practiced today.
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Gospel Brunch

Experience soulful music and lavish buffets at gospel brunches all over New Orleans. Learn the history, when and where to celebrate, here
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Juneteenth

African Americans have celebrated Juneteenth as a commemoration of freedom since President Lincoln ended slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation.
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Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs

Strutting and jumping and high-stepping beneath their decorated parasols – blowing whistles and waving feathered fans – New Orleans social aid and pleasure clubs unify communities and...
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St. Joseph's Day

Every March 19 New Orleans Catholics celebrate St. Joseph’s Day by constructing elaborate altars to honor the relief St. Joseph provided during a famine in Sicily.
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