In New Orleans, springtime signifies much more than the
return of greener grass, colorful courtyards and short sleeves. That’s because the celebrating in the Big
Easy doesn’t stop with the end of Carnival Season. It just rolls on into Festival Season.
Roughly defined as the period of time between Mardi Gras
and Memorial Day (right about when Hurricane Season starts … there really are
no traditional seasons in New Orleans), Festival Season encompasses a variety
of springtime musical, food and heritage celebrations. These range from longtime heavyweights and top
tourism draws like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (more commonly
referred to as just Jazz Fest) and the ever-growing French Quarter Festival to
more local celebrations like the Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo.
The Congo Square Rhythms Festival may be, in my uneducated
opinion, on the verge of being the next festival to grow from being a local
attraction to a real tourism draw. I
look back at French Quarter Festival pre-Katrina, and I see the same potential
here. Each year, the festival celebrates
the influence of African culture and the historical significance of Congo
Square to the city. Held every March
since 2012, the festival is operated by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage
Foundation, the same folks who have made Jazz Fest the city’s second most
popular reason to visit behind Mardi Gras.
In other words, they know how to throw a party.
Where exactly is Congo Square, you ask? Today, you might be more familiar with Louis
Armstrong Park, a wonderful section of greenery on Rampart Street directly
across from the French Quarter. Just
look for the gates and the playful statues of jazz musicians inviting you in.
The site of Congo Square is preserved within Louis
Armstrong Park. Some historians say Jazz
was born here. Voodoo is still practiced
here. And this festival helps preserve
those roots as well.
As for the festival itself, the crowds are by no means
overwhelming, at least during the early afternoon hours, but that just made it
more enjoyable for Punky and me. We blended
right in with a diverse mix of festival devotees, curious bystanders and
wandering tourists (like us).
The music can be quite the learning experience. The drums especially get you moving, and the
performers are exciting to watch. But
there’s more to the music line-up than traditional African dance and drum
circles. You’re just as likely to see a group
of Mardi Gras Indians or a popular brass band perform (Rebirth Brass Band has
played the festival several times) as the day moves on.
The festival also features a handful of food vendors showcasing
their soul- and other African-inspired cuisines. I was particularly happy to see the Praline Connection have a presence when I was there.
With its home base on Frenchmen Street, it’s one of my favorite spots
for soul food in New Orleans.
Seriously, check out their jumbo chicken wings, greens
and rice – all for just $8. It’s definitely
worth getting if you’re looking for lunch at the festival.
In addition to the food, the festival has plenty of arts
and craft booths to browse through. Punky
fell in love with the Bayou Soap stand and the “Bob Marley” soap we discovered there. She had excellent taste. In fact, the soap we purchased remains one of
the most luxurious exfoliating soaps we’ve ever tried. We’re still trying to locate more.
All in all, the Congo Square Rhythms Festival is probably
a few years away from drawing a lot of tourists to town on its own, but it’s
definitely worth checking out if it’s taking place while you’re in town. That’s the beauty of visiting New Orleans
during one of the “quieter” weeks of Festival Season – you’re bound to be
celebrating something.
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