Today my fair city turns three hundred years old, and she is more effervescent than ever before. For the past two weeks we’ve been basking in all the feels that the Jazz and Heritage Festival gives us. It is arguably the happiest time of the year in Nola. But now that we’ve put The Fest to bed and tucked it in tight until next year, it’s time to flex our celebratory muscles in the direction of The Tricentennial. And what a celebration it promises to be. It is one of America’s oldest and most dear places. It is in many ways an untouched relic of history, with many places and areas of note still standing. Whether a native child like myself, a happy transplant or an eager tourist, New Orleans grabs a hold of you and never lets go.
The architecture and structures are constant visual reminders of our journey to independence. Founded and developed by the French, under Spanish rule, back to French and acquired by the United States under the Louisiana Purchase, the city is rich with history. Our culture is a gumbo of collective heritage. A melding of French, Spanish and African cultures have made for a unique and eclectic experience to behold. As a native, I admittedly took this rich tapestry for granted. Until I moved away, that is. It’s almost like if you were a child who’d spent the night away for the first time and you discover that your fun friend’s house is as exciting as watching paint dry. Everywhere else was just different. You discover that our way of living was just that; exclusive to New Orleanians. Our dialect, our sayings, our ways and sensibilities are our own. We celebrate new life and death all the same. One good porch is fertile ground for a party any day of the week. When someone asks you, “how’s your mama and dem,” they were really wanting to know the state of your mother and family. If you meet eyes with a stranger, you are required to render a salutation. We know our neighbors intimately and long tenures turn them into family. Strangers will ask if you’re hungry with sincere intent of feeding you. And everyone knows that the best place to get a good plate of red beans is at someone’s kitchen table and not a restaurant.
New Orleans was once the most important city in the south. With the largest port, New Orleans exported most of the nation’s cotton supply. We’ve preserved an affinity to France through our dedication to old world cooking and a staunch stance on our recipe standards. For us, any deviation from what we know a dish to be is simply sacrilege. For us, food is love. Sharing a meal, or feeding someone is one of the most loving acts you could commit. We have festivals to celebrate our tomatoes, po boys, strawberries, oysters, merlition and fried chicken. It is celebrated because it nourishes us. The meals and gatherings feed our souls, fostering the notion that in a place like New Orleans, it is always appropriate to let the good times roll. While many advancements have been made over the years, New Orleans is decidedly stagnant with it’s cuisine and the merriment surrounding it. And I for one am grateful for this. There’s treasure to be found in the idea of permanence. No matter the road life takes you, home is just a jump away with that same familiar hug to greet you.
My children experienced their first Jazz Fest years ago. On the walk from the car to the fairgrounds, we stopped in a neighborhood restaurant as one of them had to use the restroom. They welcomed us in and learned that this would be their first Fest visit. “Hey everybody, this is Joshua and Kingsley’s very first Jazz Fest!!” an excited waitress exclaimed to the patrons. The restaurant erupted in applause and followed in hugs and well wishes to them. This is NOT atypical. This is New Orleans. The architecture, food and history are all of phenomenal importance. Yet it is the people that make it magical. New Orleanians are unafraid of affection and familiarity. It is a melting pot of different people, with varied interests, perspectives and beliefs. But as New Orleanians we are one; at parades, sports games, singing in an open field, in celebration and in crisis.
Today as New Orleans turns three hundred, she continues to make history. She will welcome her first female mayor. Throughout history New Orleans has seen its’ highs, lows and everything in between. We celebrate her beauty, unmistakable charm and delightful demeanor. We acknowledge her past and look forward to the promise of her future. We all continue to hold her torch up high, representing her by being a New Orleanian wherever we may be. Happy 300th Birthday dear, Nola.
