This is going to sound morbid, but stay with me. New Orleans funerals have brass bands. They play slow, sad hymns on the way to the cemetery. Then they play upbeat jazz on the way back.
It’s called a “second line” parade. The idea is that death isn’t an end; it’s a release. You celebrate the person. I once saw a funeral parade with dancers and a guy selling beer from a cooler. Peak NOLA.
The Best Things to Do in New Orleans
The cemeteries are above ground, too. Because the water table is so high, bodies wouldn’t stay buried. So they use vaults. It’s called a “city of the dead,” and it’s spooky-beautiful.
Food Is a Religion (With a Holy Trinity)
New Orleans has a “Holy Trinity” of cooking. It’s onion, bell pepper, and celery. You put that in everything: gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice. It’s non-negotiable.
Po’boys aren’t just sandwiches. They’re an identity. Fried shrimp, roast beef, or oyster—smeared with gravy and stuffed into French bread. Order one “dressed,” and they add lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo. You’ll need a nap. And a napkin.
Also: beignets are just square donuts with powdered sugar. But they’re served at Cafe Du Monde, which is open 24/7. You will get powdered sugar on your black shirt. Embrace it.
