1. “ New Orleans isn’t Just Bourbon Street” New Orleans Culture

2. New Orleans Architecture is one of the most unique and diverse in the world. There are multiple areas to this wonderful city and many of the architecture styles vary in heritage and customs. One of the most historical and well known areas in our city is the French Quarter. Despite the name the “ French Quarter” most of the buildings and houses are built from Spanish decent . Some characteristics include wrought iron fences, railings, detailed columns. The upper side of New Orleans also known as the Garden District and Uptown holds a collection of Southern mansions that derives from Greek, Colonial, and Victorian architecture . Some characteristics include large porches(on both levels of the house), large and detailed columns, multiple door openings and large windows. Some specific styles include: New Orleans Architectural styles Creole Cottage American Townhouse Creole townhouse Raised Center-Hall Cottage or Villa Shotgun House Double-Gallery house. Many of New Orleans houses are actually raised from the ground in order to prevent water from flowing in when the weather is stormy or there is severe flooding.

3. The Mississippi River The longest River in the United States From Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico The channel is the largest trade port in the world

4. M a r d i G r a s How it all Began Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday” (The French translation) derived from a carnival celebration of Europeans before the 40 days of lent. Throughout the years the Orleanians (New Orleans locals) have created an entire week of celebration and established krewes (organizations) and multiple parades and balls. What is a Mardi Gras parade? A parade is a big celebration that holds an organization procession of people and floats. I think of it as a street party! People in the floats will thrown things such as beads, cups, and doubloons (fake gold coins) down to the crowd. What things do you see in a parade? 1. The floats are usually themed- the people on floats wear funny costumes and are usually masked. 2. New Orleans marching bands- from schools and organizations within the community. 3. Horseback riders decked out in costume .

5. Impact of Tourism Revenue from New Orleans Culture Tourism Includes : Leisure Trips, Mardi Gras, Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Sugar Bowl, and many more. Tourist use New Orleans hotels, restaurants, and small businesses , which puts money in the hands of the working New Orleans citizens. During Mardi Gras these workers get three months pay in the two weeks of celebration! 35% of the city of New Orleans’ budget comes from tourism. New Orleans lost 900 million in revenue during Hurricane Katrina; this is entirely from the halt in Tourism. 10.5 million from Hotel Tax goes to public schools, the Superdome, and Convention Center. Tourism from New Orleans’ culture brings 8 million people to New Orleans and almost 5 billion dollars to the city pre-Katrina . Numbers are currently lower due to the loss of 7,000 hotel rooms. Mardi Gras this year should help New Orleans with its 800,000 tourist and 95% hotel occupancy!