Local Customs & Etiquette in New Orleans, United States
1. Mardi Gras Parade Etiquette
Know the do's and don'ts during Mardi Gras parades. Catch beads and doubloons from floats, but don't interfere with parade route or throw items back.
- Respect Parade Route: Avoid disrupting the flow of the parade and the safety of participants
- Be Mindful of Floats: Don't grab onto floats or distract riders during the parade
- Share the Bounty: Offer caught beads and trinkets to those around you, creating a communal experience
2. Second Lines
Join the Second Line procession after a brass band parade. Umbrellas are traditionally used and dancing is encouraged.
- Umbrella Usage: An umbrella is not just for rain protection, but also a prop to dance with during the second line
- Follow the Band: Stick close to the band and follow their lead in dancing
- Participate Actively: Join in on the lively atmosphere by dancing, cheering, and celebrating with the community
3. Café du Monde's Beignet Etiquette
In Café du Monde, powdered sugar will be sprinkled over your beignets. Use a napkin to wipe excess sugar off your hands.
- Powdered Sugar: The generous dusting of powdered sugar on beignets is part of the experience, but can get messy
- Shared Tables: Be prepared to share tables with other patrons due to limited seating
- Cash Only: Café du Monde does not accept credit or debit cards, so bring cash for your purchase
4. St. Joseph's Altars
Visit St. Joseph's Altars during Easter week. They are elaborate displays of food, flowers, and religious items honoring Saint Joseph.
- Respectful Silence: Observe silence while viewing the altars out of respect for the religious significance
- Different Altars: Each altar is unique, showcasing different arrangements and offerings
- Easter Tradition: St. Joseph's Altars are an essential part of the Easter celebrations in New Orleans
5. Voodoo Museum Etiquette
Visit the Voodoo Museum with an open mind. Learn about voodoo practices and respect the sacredness of the artifacts on display.
- Mindful Learning: Educate yourself about voodoo beliefs and customs without being disrespectful or disregarding them
- Quiet Environment: The museum fosters a quiet, reflective environment for visitors to contemplate the exhibits
- Artifact Protection: Handle displayed artifacts carefully and do not take any souvenirs without permission
6. Jazz Funeral Etiquette
Attend a jazz funeral procession for a deceased musician or community member. Show respect by remaining quiet and wearing black during the parade.
- Black Attire: Wearing black clothing demonstrates sorrow and respect for the departed
- Silent Reflection: Observe a moment of silence during the procession to honor the deceased
- Join in Music: Listen to and enjoy the music played by the brass band, as it's part of the mourning and celebration process
7. Saints' Days
Participate in festivals dedicated to various saints, such as St. Patrick's Day parade or Mardi Gras Indians Super Sunday.
- Celebration of Diversity: Each saint's day represents a different aspect of the diverse New Orleans culture
- Respect Traditions: Learn about the historical and cultural significance behind each saint's day celebration
- Join Community Festivities: Engage with locals, dancers, and musicians to create lasting memories during the celebrations
8. Tomb of the Unknown African
Pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknown African in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. It serves as a symbol of remembrance for enslaved Africans buried with no names or records.
- Silent Reflection: Observe a moment of silence to honor the memory of those who were lost and unremembered
- Historical Significance: The tomb represents the struggle and resilience of enslaved Africans in New Orleans
- Respectful Visitation: Visit the tomb with a sense of reverence, as it is considered a sacred site
9. New Orleans' Creole Cooking Classes
Participate in local cooking classes to learn about the unique flavors and techniques of New Orleans Creole cuisine.
- Authentic Recipes: Learn traditional recipes passed down through generations, ensuring cultural preservation
- Local Ingredients: Discover the role of local ingredients like okra, andouille sausage, and seafood in Creole cooking
- Cooking Techniques: Master essential techniques such as roux making and proper seasoning for Creole dishes
10. French Quarter's Live Music Venues
Experience live music in the French Quarter at venues like Preservation Hall and The Spotted Cat. Show appreciation for musicians with tips.
- Live Performances: Enjoy live jazz, blues, and brass music performances in intimate settings
- Tip the Musicians: Show your appreciation for musicians by tipping them after their performance
- Cultural Exchange: Immerse yourself in the rich musical heritage of New Orleans and connect with local musicians
11. New Orleans' Ghost Tours
Embark on a ghost tour to learn about the city's haunted history and paranormal activity. Listen carefully for eerie stories and legends.
- Historical Stories: Discover tales of pirates, voodoo, and other supernatural events that have shaped New Orleans
- Ghostly Encounters: Experience chilling anecdotes and alleged paranormal activity in various locations around the city
- Guided Exploration: Explore the French Quarter, Garden District, and other haunted areas with experienced tour guides
12. New Orleans' Cemeteries
Visit St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 or Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 to observe above-ground tombs and learn about New Orleans' unique burial customs.
- Above-Ground Tombs: Learn about the practical reasons behind above-ground tombs in a city below sea level
- Historical Figures: Discover the final resting places of notable New Orleans residents, such as Voodoo queen Marie Laveau and novelist William Faulkner
- Respectful Visitation: Visit cemeteries with a sense of reverence, treating them as sacred spaces
13. New Orleans' Food Trucks
Sample delicious, diverse cuisine from local food trucks. Look for popular trucks on social media or food truck roundups.
- Diverse Offerings: Discover a variety of foods representing New Orleans' rich cultural heritage
- Portable Dining: Enjoy delicious meals on-the-go, without the need to dine in a restaurant
- Social Media Tips: Follow food truck social media pages for their locations and daily menus
14. New Orleans' Brass Bands
Listen to and appreciate New Orleans' brass bands playing on the streets, in parks, and during events. Show respect by tipping them.
- Live Performances: Experience live jazz, brass band, and street music performances throughout the city
- Tip the Musicians: Show your appreciation for musicians by tipping them after their performance
- Cultural Exchange: Immerse yourself in the rich musical heritage of New Orleans and connect with local musicians
15. New Orleans' Sazerac Bar
Visit the historic Sazerac Bar for a traditional New Orleans cocktail. Watch the bartender carefully prepare your drink.
- Cocktail History: Experience the birthplace of the iconic Sazerac cocktail and other classic New Orleans drinks
- Skilled Bartenders: Watch as skilled bartenders expertly prepare your drink using time-honored techniques
- Authentic Flavor: Taste the unique, well-balanced flavors of a traditional Sazerac or other classic New Orleans cocktails