Fun Facts About New Orleans
When it comes to fascinating facts about New Orleans, there is no shortage of stories and information to explore. From its unique culture and music to its unique history and spooky past, there is something that makes this city so unique. Whether you’re a fan of the Big Easy or just curious about what makes it so special, here are some fun facts about New Orleans that will surprise and amaze you.
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Fun Facts About New Orleans
So let’s jump into some fun facts about New Orleans by starting with a few surprising facts about New Orleans.
Surprising Facts About NOLA:
- The cemeteries in New Orleans are above ground due to the high water table in the city.
- The city is home to the oldest still-operating bar in America, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar.
- It was also the birthplace of America’s first cocktail, called a Sazerac.
- New Orleans is home to over 1,500 restaurants and numerous bars and clubs.
- The city has an all-female Mardi Gras krewe, the Muses, which was founded in 2000.
- New Orleans also hosts the world’s largest jazz festival, Jazz Fest.
Next on the list are lesser-known facts about New Orleans that I think are worth mentioning.
Lesser Know Facts About New Orleans
- Originally built as an area for residents to seek refuge from hurricanes, is the French Quarter. It was the highest part of the area that is now New Orleans. As a result, the French Quarter was the one area of New Orleans with the least damage after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
- Antoine’s, a New Orleans institution since 1840, making it the oldest continually run family-owned restaurant in the U.S. Likewise, another of the cool facts about Antoine’s is that they invented the dishes Oysters Rockafeller and the Baked Alaska dessert.
- Another fun fact about New Orleans is the very first Opera in the United States was performed here in 1796.
- Marie Laveau’s tomb is one of the most visited tombs in America. She actually receives more visitors than the King, Elvis Presley.
- New Orleans was not the original host of Mardi Gras in the US. Biloxi, Mississippi holds that honor. Of course, New Orleans perfected that party.
Of course, our fun facts about New Orleans would not be complete without a few historical facts as well.
Historical Facts About New Orleans:
- The city of New Orleans was founded in 1718 by French-Canadian Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. In honor of Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, is how New Orleans got its name.
- In 1803, it became part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase.
- New Orleans was a major port for the transatlantic slave trade.
- The Battle of New Orleans was fought during the War of 1812 and is considered one of the most important battles in US history.
- In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated much of New Orleans but the city has since made a remarkable recovery and continues to thrive today.
New Orleans has a diverse and lively culture so here are a few things to know about New Orleans culture.
Cultural Facts About New Orleans:
- The influences from Creole, African American, and European cultures create a vibrant atmosphere in the city.
- New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz music and has a thriving music and arts scene.
- It’s also home to a unique architecture that blends French, Spanish, Caribbean, and American influences.
- Some of the city’s most popular attractions include the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and Mardi Gras.
- It’s also home to a variety of festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, and Voodoo Fest.
If you’ve ever visited New Orleans you know it’s a spooky and weird place. Therefore some of the best fun facts about New Orleans are spooky and weird.
Spooky Facts About New Orleans:
- New Orleans’s spooky vibe is due to numerous reports of hauntings in cemeteries and abandoned buildings.
- The LaLaurie Mansion in the French Quarter is one of the more famous haunted locations in New Orleans.
- It’s also home to a variety of ghost tours, including those that take visitors through some of the city’s most haunted locations.
- There is an active voodoo culture and is home to a variety of shops selling potions, charms, and other ritual items.
Weird Facts About New Orleans:
- The city is home to some unusual attractions such as the Museum of Death and the Voodoo Spiritual Temple.
- It’s also home to a number of food-related oddities such as beignets, po’boys, and jambalaya.
- The city is home to a variety of unique traditions including the Bonfires on the Levee and Second Line Parades.
- There are also some uniquely New Orleans events such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Lundi Gras celebrations.
New Orleans is a vibrant place, especially with its Mardi Gras celebration with colorful parades, bead-throwing, and street parties. During my research for this post, it was interesting to find out these facts about Mardi Gras.
New Orleans Mardi Gras Facts:
- Mardi Gras colors are purple, green, and gold. The purple stands for justice, the green for faith, and the gold for power.
- It is illegal to ride on a Mardi Gras float without a Mardi Gras Mask.
- It’s also home to some legendary Mardi Gras krewes such as the Krewe of Rex, Krewe of Zulu and the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale.
- Celebrations include a variety of activities including parades, parties, and balls throughout February and March.
What Makes New Orleans So Unique?
New Orleans is a city like no other, offering an eclectic mix of cultures and traditions that make it unique. It’s a place where old-world charm meets modern-day vibrancy, making it one of the most interesting cities in the United States. Plus some of the country’s oldest buildings as well as unique architecture and a vibrant music and art scene. Not to mention home to some of the most unique food in the nation, from beignets to jambalaya.
What Are Common Misconceptions and Myths About New Orleans?
One common misconception about New Orleans is that it’s dangerous, which isn’t true. The city is actually quite safe and has a low crime rate compared to many other cities of its size. Another misconception is that the city is overrun with ghosts and hauntings, when in reality it’s quite normal for a big city. Additionally, some people believe that Mardi Gras is an all-out debaucherous event when in truth it’s a family-friendly celebration.
Wrap up of Fun Facts about New Orleans
New Orleans is a city rich in history, culture, and unique traditions that set it apart from any other city in the United States. From its vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations to its unique architectural style and diverse food offerings, New Orleans is truly a city of endless fascination. Whether you’re drawn to the city’s historical significance, captivated by its cultural richness, or intrigued by the myths and mysteries that surround it, one thing’s for sure: New Orleans never fails to surprise and delight.
Finally, I hope you enjoyed the fun facts about New Orleans. If you’re thinking about visiting, check out our post on the Top Sites to See in New Orleans.
If you have any fun facts about New Orleans, please share a comment below, I would love to hear from you!
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