Left: This Mardi Gras float is a nod to the alligators found in New Orleans’ swamps. Right: A trumpet player marching in the Krewe of Bacchus

ISTOCKPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES (CONFETTI); GOLDRING/GETTY IMAGES (TRUMPET PLAYER); JULIE DERMANSKY/CORBIS VIA GETTY IMAGES (ALLIGATOR)

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It’s Party Time! 

A famous festival in New Orleans is bigger than ever as the historic city turns 300. 

February 1, 2018
By Jennifer Marino Walters

The streets of New Orleans, Louisiana, are packed with colorful floats, marching bands, and costumed crowds this month. Each year, more than 1 million people attend an annual festival called Mardi Gras [MAHR-dee grah) there. But this year is extra-special. New Orleans is turning 300!

The city of New Orleans was founded on May 7, 1718, by a French explorer. At the time, the United States didn’t exist yet. New Orleans became part of New France, an area of North America that France controlled then. In 1776, the U.S. became a country. It bought some of New France—including New Orleans—in 1803 as part of a land deal called the Louisiana Purchase. 

DAVID RAE MORRIS/POLARIS

A masked parade participant

Today, New Orleans is still home to many French traditions, like Mardi Gras. This citywide festival, also known as Carnival, lasts for about one month. It’s a time to eat, dance, and celebrate the coming of spring in March.  

This year, Mardi Gras kicked off on January 6. Fireworks lit up the sky over the Mississippi River to mark New Orleans’ tricentennial. Marching bands blasted out lively music as parades began winding through the streets.

During Mardi Gras, New Orleans hosts as many as 70 parades. Each one is run by a group called a krewe (kroo). Krewe members ride on decorated floats, wearing costumes and throwing toys and other small gifts to the crowds. 

MORGAN STEWART/THE ROOTS OF MUSIC

Owusu Diallo 

Eighth-grader Owusu Diallo will be in four parades this month, playing his trombone. He’s been part of a marching band called the Roots of Music Marching Crusaders since 2010. It’s made up of kids between the ages of 9 and 14.  

Mardi Gras is an exciting time of year for Owusu. He enjoys it when people call to him and try to high-five him as he marches by. 

“What I really love about Mardi Gras is that a whole bunch of people come together to have fun,” says Owusu. “It’s like an outdoor concert that stretches for miles and miles!” 

1. How might a street map be useful if you were to visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras?

2. What are some unique features of a street map?

3. How might New Orleans’ location have contributed to its becoming a major port city?

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