Decadence in New Orleans

Six friends in a bathroom furnished with a claw foot tub and a couch, were  living on Barracks Street in the Treme in 1972, and here they  came up with the  idea for the very first Southern Decadence that takes place every Labor Day Weekend in New Orleans in the French Quarter - What does decadence mean to you?   Since it was founded in 1718, New Orleans has marched to the beat of its own drum.  For two centuries, those in control of the Louisiana state government have tried in vain to impose their prejudices on a city that is French, Spanish, Creole, African, Catholic, pagan and very gay (in both senses of the word).  If nothing else, New Orleans knows how to throw a party, from the world-famous Mardi Gras to other, more specialized celebrations. from My Life in The Quarter One of these celebrations began quite inauspiciously in August of 1972, by a group of friends living in a ramshackle cottage house on  Barracks Street in the Treme section of New Orleans, just outside of the French Quarter. It was in desperate need of repair, and the rent was $100 per month.  At any given time the residents numbered anywhere from six to ten, and it was still sometimes difficult to come up with the rent. And so it was, on a sultry August afternoon in 1972, that this band of friends decided to plan an amusement.  The group named the event a "Southern Decadence Party: Come As Your Favorite Southern Decadent," requiring all participants to dress in costume as their favorite "decadent Southern" character. Forty or fifty people drank, smoked, and carried on. The rest, as they say, is history.  What began as a little costume party is now a world-famous gay celebration.  In the 40th year, it has mushroomed from a small gathering of friends to a Labor Day weekend tradition, attracting over 110,000 participants, predominantly gay and lesbian, and generating almost $125 million in tourist revenue.  This annual economic impact ranks it among the city's top five tourist events.  from  Southern Decadence Southern Decadence in New Orleans happens every Labor Day Weekend Alberto and I lived at ground zero in the French Quarter, and experienced Southern Decadence in all its glory. It is a great party. What we love about New Orleans is its huge embrace of one and all - even a couple of old farts partying with the beautiful boys. Have you seen all the fuss about Cher's son Chaz being on Dancing With The Stars? He's last season's Kirstie Alley for me, and before that, Kelly Osbourne. I'll be cheering him on.  Alberto and I would love to have Chaz in our tango class! When will the world be more like New Orleans? Cher with Chaz Bono - Read more HERE