New Orleans: history, carnival and the most interesting sights of the city

New Orleans - the most "European" city of America. Founded by the French, for several decades it was ruled by the Spaniards. The city of New Orleans boasts local Creole cuisine and national culture. A lot of houses in Spanish and French styles create a unique charm.

History

New Orleans, due to its favorable location, quickly became a major center of trade. The Mississippi River has for several centuries been an important traffic flow of the country. The New Orleans port is one of the largest in the United States. New Orleans is the first thing that black slaves brought from the African continent saw in the new country.

Most of the inhabitants of the city are descendants of Spanish and French settlers. But during its rapid growth, New Orleans was flooded by Italians, Irish, Germans, Greeks. In the last century, the population was replenished by thousands of immigrants from Haiti.

French and Spanish

At the end of the XVII century, the first settlers appeared at the mouth of the Mississippi. The head of the French group, Robert Cavelier de la Salle, declared this territory the property of his country and named it Louisiana in honor of Louis XIV. The first French colony settled here at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, and the date of foundation of New Orleans was dated May 7, 1718. The founder of the city is Jean Battista Le Moyne, Canadian. The name New Orleans is given in honor of Philip the Second, Prince of Orleans - the French regent.

The main part of the first settlers was convicted, exiled to Louisiana for the development of new lands and did not have high moral and moral qualities. In addition, for many years the slave trade flourished here, but blacks living in the city were mostly free.

The French were unhappy with the profits from these lands. In 1762, they transferred them to their ally in the war with England. The Spaniards owned Louisiana until 1800. Then the French became the masters again, and in 1803 they sold it to the US for $ 15 million.

American New Orleans

In the middle of the XIX century the city had a population of 100 thousand people and was one of the largest in the country. In the Civil War, Louisiana took the side of the Confederates, but a year later it belonged to the supporters of Lincoln.

The beginning of the 20th century was marked by the discovery of oil reserves, which together with the development of transport roads gave a new impetus to the rapid development of New Orleans.

By the end of the twentieth century, the city achieved great success in shipbuilding and the aerospace industry, has become a major tourist center.

Modern New Orleans

The spirit of France is still hovering over the picturesque areas of the city. New Orleans today is called "Paris of the New World". In the old part of the city there are many ancient buildings. It was called the "French Quarter". New Orleans is enveloped in legends and legends, especially St. Louis cemetery, which is an architectural monument. According to one of them, the queen of the Voodoo Mari Lava tribe is buried here, therefore it is strongly recommended not to walk alone on it alone.

New Orleans today has the central street Bourbon Street, located in the French Quarter. It houses the best restaurants and cafes, numerous shops and souvenir shops.

Of the modern buildings, the most famous is the 38.5 km long bridge across Lake Ponschartren. In the new city, too, there is something to see: the zoo, Audubon Park, the picturesque neighborhoods of St. Charles and Warehouse, business districts with unique glass buildings for offices. And also you can visit the Museum of Art and the Museum of Louisiana, where they always hold interesting exhibitions.

sights

Each quarter of the city is a kind of islet with a unique culture and a focus of important historical monuments.

For example, Jackson Square. Next to it is the Cathedral of Saint-Louis - an impressive religious object in the original architectural style, with an interesting interior decor. Near the French market, where you can buy anything. Such attractions in New Orleans as the Mint - Museum and World War II Museum will present interesting collections of artifacts.

Connoisseurs of painting can enjoy the works of young sculptors, artists, photographers in the Contemporary Arts Center.

Attractions in New Orleans, located in the town of Shalmitt, are also very interesting. Here, General Andrew Jackson fought for the city in 1815. In addition, many gardens and parks, nature reserves attract tourists.

Tests of the New Eagle

Nature regularly checks the strength of the spirit of the inhabitants of the city. In the XVIII century fires, in the XIX century cholera, leprosy, smallpox and yellow fever, in the twentieth century hurricanes claimed many lives and caused serious damage. But what happened in 2005 brought immeasurably more grief to New Orleans. Flooding as a result of the breakthrough of the dam due to hurricane Katrina flooded the city, power supply, telephone communication was disrupted. Residents in thousands were evacuated to Dallas, Houston, San Antonio.

The city was hard hit by the consequences of the flood and the devastating hurricane. The Americans helped to restore buildings and infrastructure and transfer funds, and directly working at the facilities. Thanks to the help of the country's population, the history of New Orleans continues, and the city can again appear in all its glory before tourists.

Interesting Facts

• The tram in New Orleans is the oldest in the country.
• Bars of the city work around the clock.
• New Orleans on the map is located in the bend of the Mississippi, therefore received the nickname "City of the Crescent".
• Here was born the popular American actress Reese Witherspoon.
• New Orleans is the home city of Louis Armstrong. In the middle of the twentieth century, the musician was elected King Mardi Gras. And today his name is the international airport of the city.

Music in New Orleans

In the city of jazz melodies are always flowing and from everywhere. Previously, music in New Orleans was very close to the white and black population. There are different styles and directions, including blues, zadekos with a touch of French melodies.

Every spring in New Orleans there is a jazz festival that lasts several days and provides an opportunity to perform from the stage to numerous musicians. Since its founding (1970), this musical event has attracted thousands of music lovers.

You can learn about the history of jazz development and listen to it in the National Park.

The famous parade attracts visitors from all over the world to New Orleans. Mardi Gras is a grand spectacle that lasts for two weeks and is the oldest tradition and business card of the city.

Carnival

It's rather a parade of decorated platforms on horse-drawn carriages. Each element of this picturesque tuple is dedicated to entertainment: cards, drinks, women, etc. The parade looks very colorful, and the procession participants throw small trinkets into the jubilant crowd of spectators - such as beads, coins, plastic beads, soft toys, aluminum medallions with festive symbols. These little things often become objects for collecting.

The participant's costume must include three colors: the golden one is the symbol of strength, red is the symbol of justice, green is the symbol of faith. These shades accompany the festival for over a hundred years.

Spectators, in order to receive a gift, attract the attention of the parade participants in every possible way - they lift up their skirts, t-shirts, showing off their bodies. These days New Orleans is called a city that has gone crazy - "Crazy Town".

The final stage of the march is the election of the royal couple of carnival. Glee, backed by alcohol and universal access, reigns all evening and night. On other days, drinking alcohol and the effects of sexual orientation are strictly punishable. But the parade reigns a friendly attitude, without obscenities and fights. Smoking, drinking and participating at night in the carnival is allowed from 21 years. Therefore, young people are often asked to present an identity card, especially in bars.

Kitchen, restaurants and cafes

New Orleans - a find for tourists with gastronomic predilections. More than a thousand cafes, restaurants and bars operate in the city. The most visited establishment is the GW Fins restaurant with a seafood kitchen. The menu is updated daily and depends on the morning purchases made by the chef in the market. The specialties include cutlets from crab fillet and oysters, baked in the oven.

The budgetary restaurant Southern Candymakers gathers families with children for whom a separate menu is created. Distinguished institution friendly staff and the most delicious praline in the city.

To organize a celebration, there can be no better than a luxurious Commander's Palace restaurant , located in a beautiful palace. The main part of the menu is represented by dishes of national cuisine and delicious delicacies.

A large assortment offers visitors a restaurant Boucherie. In its menu there are meat dishes, traditional French fries, fresh sandwiches, as well as many desserts.

Italian restaurant Vincent's Italian Cuisine shocking its guests with a huge portion size, so it's appropriate to order one dish for two. A specialty is spaghetti with various sauces and crab soup.

Angelo Brocato Ice Cream - a colorful cafe for ice cream lovers and bakers. A delicious Italian dessert for every taste is able to satisfy the most demanding sweet tooth. A cozy cafe attracts guests with fresh rolls and croissants, refreshing fruit ice, ice cream with different fillings.

Tips for tourists

• Tourists are advised to move on foot, as the tourist facilities are located within walking distance from each other. The quality of roads is not always ideal, so it is better to give up heels.
• A local tramway will help you to see the sights and the most important streets of the city for travelers who are limited in time. The trip will cost $ 1.3.

• In addition to the tram, an inexpensive transport is almost a 24-hour bus. On weekends he walks a little less often. Tickets are purchased from the driver or at the kiosks.
• In the center of the rental you can rent a car, the cost of which depends on the brand. For registration, you will need a passport, international rights, a credit card with the amount of necessary collateral.
• Tourists do not need to forget about caution. In the evening you can walk only along the central streets of the city. In remote areas wander better when accompanied by a guide. Large cash and valuables should not be taken for a walk without special need.
• All payments are made through a credit card, it is accepted by all shopping centers, supermarkets, boutiques, hotels, large restaurants and gas stations. Cash will be needed for those who intend to visit the markets, small shops on the outskirts and budget restaurants.
• Motorists in the daytime, most likely, get into traffic. It is better to use a tram or ferry that runs every 15 minutes.

• The most profitable way of paying for services and purchases is the national currency, which can be exchanged in any banks or private exchange offices. When making a transaction, you need to specify the exchange rate and the amount of commission charged. In different exchange offices it can vary widely.