For souvenirs, visitors can buy T-shirts, Mardi Gras beads, and snow globes. If you’re looking for more authentic souvenirs, consider picking up a book. Many authors have attempted to capture the ambiance of the city on paper. To get a taste of Louisiana’s culture, stop by the Faulkner House on Pirate’s Alley, a store packed with Louisiana-related tomes.
With over 60% of its population African American, New Orleans is a city steeped in Afro-Caribbean culture. The city is also historically known as a center of slavery. Slaves were sold just about anywhere, including ships, hotels, and public parks. The city’s police chief tried to investigate the origins of the fruit import business rivalry. His efforts were ultimately fruitful. Today, New Orleans is a thriving cultural center and one of the top ten most visited cities in the U.S.
You can even purchase a souvenir from a thriving market. In addition to local souvenirs, New Orleans boasts some of the best spices in the world. The city’s famous fleur-de-lis is a symbol of New Orleans. The fleur-de-lis is a flower originally found on the flag of the House of Bourbon in France. It represents the lilies that grew from Eve’s tears.
Louisiana Voodoo, another historic cultural tradition, has been a long-time association with New Orleans. Voodoo has its roots in West African Vodun, which originated in Benin. Slave populations brought this tradition to New Orleans and brought it with them. It reached its zenith in the 1830s under the reign of renowned priestess Marie Laveau. Its enduring impact can be felt in the streets today.
In August 2005, a category 5 Atlantic hurricane wreaked havoc on the city. Although the city’s population is still predominantly white, the population has declined. Today, whites make up only about a third of its total population. This has caused much of the city’s levees to fail, causing a four-fifths of the city to flood. Although the city still has a large Black population, the city’s white population is shrinking.
The French founded New Orleans in 1718. Since Louisiana had been under French control for so long, the city was strategically important to the French. The area was inhabited by native people before the French took possession. The French chose the area for its port, which was located on the Mississippi River. New Orleans is pronounced “New Or-lins” but is often mispronounced. Some people even refer to the city as “N’awlins” instead of “New Or-lee-ans.”
History buffs will love the New Orleans World War II museum. The museum is in the old Higgins boat, which transported American soldiers across Europe during WWII. You can explore immersive exhibits and real aircraft from the war. The museum also has a huge gift shop, selling everything from vintage clothing to replica military canteens and lighters. In addition, there is always live music playing in the streets. In short, the city is full of ghosts!