With a rich French and Spanish Catholic tradition mixed with a blend of
African drums this city is like no other in America. Quirky doesn't
begin to describe the difference. Carnival, food, and our unique
infrastructure all contribute to the list.
- Mardi Gras - Carnival season has a huge year round influence on New Orleans
- Red beans and rice on Monday, fish on Friday
- Parade parties on the neutral grounds with ladders and ladder seats
- Neutral Grounds
it is just terminology but broad tree lined medians often used to be
drainage canals and divided neighborhoods separating feuding groups.
- Where
did you go to (high) school? Helps other New Orleanians identify the
neighborhood you come from and your socio-economic status
- Second
lines and Jazz Funerals are an historic African-American custom in
which funerals are divided in to two parts. A dirge on the way to the
cemetery and a celebration on the way out.
- Monkey Hill the
legendary highest point in New Orleans (~20 feet NGVD88) the highway
overpasses are higher and One Shell Square is still the tallest
building.
- Lagniappe is that little something extra
- Blue Plate Mayonnaise
- K&B Purple
- Pairs of beads, doubloons and other Carnival "throws"
- King cakes with babies are another Carnival tradition
- Yats
- Morgus the Magnificent (goofy mad scientist portrayed by Sid Noel since 1959)
- Mr.
Bingle is an elf like snowman character created to market the Maison
Blanche store during the holiday season. Visit the Ye Old College Inn
to see him in person.
- Snoballs
- Mosquito Hawks, Mosquito Control
- The Moonwalk (named for Maurice "Moon" Landrieu)
- Private and parochial schools
- Beignets and cafe au lait
- Go-cups
- Above ground cemeteries
- Mardi Gras Indians
- Voodoo
- Street Cars
- The Saints (Catholic and NFL)
- Makin' Groceries
- Dressed po-boy sandwiches on French Bread (baguettes)
- Barq's ( it's not exactly Root Beer )
- Sugar Busters
- Napoleonic Code of Laws
- Parishes not Counties
- Tabasco sauce and Zatarains Shrimp and Crab Boil