When it comes to culture, New Orleans offers an amazing melting pot. Take in the ambiance of the French Quarter, one of the most historic neighborhoods in Louisiana. Join the parties going down Bourbon Street, and parade past Madame LaLaurie’s Mansion. Fortune tellers on Jackson Street will give you insight on your greatest vacation-- so don’t forget to add New Orleans to your itinerary!
Enjoy the culture of the Caribbean in the heart of Louisiana with the Bayou Bacchanal festival on November 3rd. Celebrating the diverse culture of the Caribbean, this festival offers a glimpse into the culture and music of the islands while bringing together those of Caribbean descent. ResortsandLodges.com had a chance to sit down with the president of the festival for more details about this amazing event.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
P: This year will be our 16th year! We run with revenue out of my own pocket, and words of support and encouragement from friends that have sustained the event. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation will be a sponsor of Bayou Bacchanal, which is our first major sponsor.
RAL: What was the beginning of the festival?
P: I registered the organization on June 21, 2001, and started the carnival in 2002 with four people dressed in costume parading on a stage in Armstrong Park. I saw the reaction of the audience, and I told myself I better build upon that.
RAL: How many people attend your festival?
P: We get a few hundred, and it has grown as people start to travel to New Orleans for the festival once they hear about us.
RAL: What activities are planned?
P: We host a music enrichment program for children 6 years old to adults of all ages, and plan to use the festival as a platform to raise funds for opening a Caribbean Cultural Center. Our instructor Mr. Reynold Kinsale, former Captain of Blue Diamond Steel Orchestra Trinidad & Tobago will be on site to manage the info table.The parade begins at noon from Harrahs Casino, Poydras & S Peters St, and will end at 11 pm, with the venue being on the street car line. On the road will be D J's Lady Pepper Tree the official D J of Bayou Bacchanal. Dj Phil from New Orleans, D J, Kenrick from Toranto , Canada, D J Spice from Orlando, FL. D J Eveline from St. Lucia, Pan Vibrations Steel Pan from La Place, La. Casa Samba, Brazilian masquerade group from New Orleans. In Crescent Park, Soca Artist Tigress, from South Carolina, will be the M.C. Performers include Soca Artist from Atlanta, DJ Desmond from WACK Radio, Trinidad & Tobago, Pan Vibrations Steel Pan, and main headliner, Mystic, MRG group from Bob Marley's, Universal Studios, Orlando. The Saturday night official after Party with DJ Ray will be at Island Flavors Bar & Grill 10700 Chef Menture Highway, New Orleans. We will also be parading through the French Quarter for the first time!
RAL: What is the demographic of the event?
P: We are open to all ages. Our mission is to educate the community in Caribbean culture, diversity, and customs.
For more information, please check out the event website.