After a seemingly endless hiatus, New Orleans festivals are back on the schedule, and the city is pulling out all the stops to let the good times roll. This year's slate of festivals are going the extra mile, with residents and visitors eager to celebrate the culture of the city.
The city itself is known for taking any excuse to plan a festival—there are celebrations that honor some of New Orleans’ most famous foods (like crawfish, gumbo, and beignets) and festivals that spotlight various styles of music (from zydeco to blues and jazz). Sure, you’ve likely heard about the city's most iconic fests.
And while Mardi Gras isn’t a traditional festival by definition, Carnival season—the period of time leading up to the big day—is a series of parties, parades, debutante balls, and a whole lot of revelry. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, too, draws thousands of visitors every year to celebrate local music and food. But there are many more festivals throughout the year that celebrate the unique culture of New Orleans and South Louisiana. No matter what time of year you arrive, you’re almost guarenteed to find something worth celebrating.
Of course, you can check out all the best restaurants, iconic foods, and best bars while you're here, but planning a visit around one of these New Orleans festivals is a great way to take a deeper dive into what makes this one of the best cities in the world.
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