If
nothing else, New Orleans knows how to throw a party, from the
world-famous Mardi Gras to other, more specialized celebrations. One
of those began quite inauspiciously on Labor Day weekend 1972 and has
evolved into Southern
Decadence, which is today the #1 gay and lesbian event in New
Orleans. It was originally just a small party to mark the end of
summer. Now in its third decade, it has evolved into one of the
best-attended events in New Orleans. It is fondly referred to as the
gay Mardi Gras. In 2004, over 100,000 people participated, according
to the
New Orleans Convention and Visitors' Bureau. Held annually during
Labor Day weekend, people begin to arrive on Wednesday and most stay
right through Monday. The festivities are non-stop. The annual effect
on the economy is estimated to be almost $100 million, making it one
of the top five events held in New Orleans.
The French Quarter is the epicenter and is crowded for the whole
weekend. Sunday is the climax, with the streets crowded from one side
to the other. It is all in anticipation of the parade led by the
Grand Marshal. For almost thirty years the parade route was a guarded
secret, often decided on-the-fly as the procession meandered through
the French Quarter. Now there is an official parade route. Many
revelers are oblivious to the parade, content to party in the streets
and the bars.
Ground-zero of Gay New Orleans is the intersection of St. Ann and
Bourbon Streets, and this is even more evident during Southern
Decadence. On this corner is The Bourbon Pub / Parade, the city's
largest gay entertainment complex, the newly-renovated Hit Parade
retail store, and the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, home to many visitors and
ghosts alike. All of the main gay landmarks are located within a
couple of blocks. And in New Orleans you are allowed to take your
cocktail with you as you sashay from establishment to establishment.
There are no large organized events away from the French Quarter, with
the clubs hosting all of the dance parties. The bars remain open 24
hours a day, and the partying seems to never end. During the day the
celebration encompasses the bars and the streets, which are generally
closed to vehicular traffic. At night, many of the best DJs from the
circuit rule the dance floors, as the beat of the party moves inside.
But make no mistake, the streets are active all night long, with the
energy and excitement filling the sultry end-of-summer air.
Here's what some people have said about
Southern Decadence:
If I had to tell someone what it is or how to enjoy it I would say let your inhibitions down and just go for it."
My first experience was last year, and MAN did I HAVE A BLAST! The heat was unbelievable, and the crowd even hotter. The delightful, almost unbearable heat is the perfect excuse to run around almost naked, day and night.
It was an incredible weekend. Yes there were strippers, in true New Orleans form, wearing VERY little, and boy are they friendly. If you go to New Orleans, go with an open mind and a smile on your face. You will LOVE IT!"
I love the muscle dancers / strippers. They walk all over the bars at The Bourbon Pub and The Parade and the bartenders serve drink between their legs!
Email us at info@southerndecadence.org with any questions.
THE OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE WEBSITE
