Guide Note

New Orleans is the highest populated city in the state of Louisiana. It is known for its multicultural heritage with English, French, Cajun and Creole cultures, cuisine, architecture and music including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Fast Facts

1. Country: United States
2. State: Louisiana
3. Mayor: Ray Nagin
4. Parish: Orleans Parish
5. Population: 480,000+
6. Founded: 1718
7. Time Zone: CST
8. Nicknames: NOLA, The Big Easy, The Crescent City

In late August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana and Mississippi. The rain caused flooding, leading to the break of the levees in more than 50 places, causing severe flooding in over 80% of the city including the metro area. Over 1,800 people lost their lives due to the flooding. This hurricane remains the costliest and one of the five most deadly hurricanes to hit the United States. The city remains in recovery.

"Laissez les bons temps rouler", or "let the good times roll" celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Mardi Gras begins on January 6 each year, and the people celebrate the coming of Lent with parades, masquerade balls, and king cake. The parades run along St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street. The largest day of celebration is on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning 40 days of fasting and prayer ending on Easter.

We also have results for New Orleans Restaurants, New Orleans Vacation, New Orleans Tours, and New Orleans Hotels.