The author's posts are entirely his or her own and may not always reflect the views of Movoto.
1. New Orleanians Have A Super Creepy Obsession With Death...
Because the city is so far below sea level, many of the deceased were buried hundreds of years ago above ground in elaborate crypts and tombs. Tourists and locals alike love to visit the "Cities of the Dead" to take photos, sketch tombstones or even summon a loved one.
2. ...And Everyone Has A Voodoo Doll
New Orleanians' fascination with death doesn't stop with their cemeteries. The city is the birthplace of the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, whose tomb lures superstitious believers to visit and make offerings to her spirit in hope of money, luck, or both. New Orleanians participate in voodoo rites for practically anything, including love, curing ailments, and even warding off bad weather.
3. New Orleanians Think Mardi Gras Happens Year Round
Technically the famed carnival season occurs over a two-week period and ends right before Ash Wednesday. But in New Orleans every excuse is a good excuse for a parade, second line, festival, block party, or
fais do-do. There are street parades for St. Patrick's Day, Easter, and Christmas, just to name a few. And if you can think of a food or beverage, New Orleans probably already has a festival for it, including po-boys, cocktails, seafood, oysters, creole tomatoes, and barbecue. And of course, who could forget the Gumbo Festival.
4. New Orleanians Are Dose Folk Dat Talk Funny, Y'Heard?
If the United States is a melting pot (of gumbo), New Orleans is the roux. This city is known for its diverse culture and its locals are proud of their heritage. While you don't often hear thick Cajun accents in the city, the "Yat" ("Where Y'at?") dialect is alive and strong. Its influences include Louisiana French, European French and Spanish, German, Irish and Italian, as well as major U.S. port cities like New York.
5. New Orleanians Don't Shop, They Make Groceries
The climate may be ideal for growing vegetables and fruits but the locals are actually "makin' groceries" by going to the store and buying them. The phrase dates back to the French Creoles usage of the verb "faire," meaning "to make." While making groceries doesn't necessarily mean from scratch, the locavore movement is popular in New Orleans and the locals favor fresh fruit, produce and seafood that are locally grown or harvested.
6. New Orleanians Wanna Know: Who Dat Say Dey Gonna Beat Dem Saints?
Ever since the Saints won the Superbowl in 2010, everyone is New Orleans is a die-hard fan. Their "Who Dat" fever is fun to be around when the game is on but their Monday morning quarterbacking can be annoying. Every fan is an expert and they are fond of spouting off endless post-game commentary and random (and ridiculous) Saints trivia. Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints? No one, dat's who.
7. New Orleanians Are Fixin To Give You A Hug
While New Orleans is home to some of the most violent crime in the U.S., it also ranks #2 in Travel+Leisure Magazine for having the friendliest people. That's not hard to believe when everywhere you go strangers are willing and happy to strike up a conversation with you. And more often than not, that stranger will say goodbye with a big hug and a kiss.
8. New Orleanians Drown Their Food In Butter--And It's Frickin' Delicious
There is no arguing about it: New Orleans is home to some of the best food in the world. From fried shrimp po-boys and fluffy beignets to savory trout Amandine, the food is truly delectable. But often the secret is in the sauce. Screw your waistline, dig in!
For starters, order anything off the menu at Peche and amazed. The crab fingers in wine sauce at Mandina's are finger-licking good and the muffuletta at Central Grocery heaps on layers of meat and olive salad on toasted sesame bread. One sandwich can feed an entire family.
9. New Orleanians Are All Stinky Smokers
Smoking in bars is still legal in New Orleans and that can make going out a real drag. Even the locals who don't smoke are used to leaving bars smelling like an ashtray. However there are a few smoke-free options in town, including Maison, Circle Bar, and d.b.a.
10. There is a Musician on Every Corner
New Orleans is internationally known for it's music scene. It's the birthplace of hip hop stars Lil Wayne and Mystikal, where Sissy Bounce was born and of course, Dixieland Jazz. Each year it draws thousands of music lovers for its annual Jazz & Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, and Voodoo Fest. But fans can find music every night (and day) of the week. There are several smaller music festivals held every month as well as great live music in the local clubs and, of course, street musicians who perform for a tip.
But that's no surprise in a city that is so steeped in culture. There is nowhere else on earth quite like New Orleans, and the people here are every bit as unique - even if they do all love the Saints, buttery food, making groceries and, of course, they all know how to
laissez les bons temps rouler .
feature Image Source: flickr user Derek Bridges
