Behind me is Jackson Square, the center of downtown New Orleans.
Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson, commanding U.S. forces at Chalmette, vowed to drive the British, whom he called "the common enemy of mankind," from American soil. His victory at New Orleans launched him on the road to the White House.
French Quarter, a ten block square, is a mosaic of colors, sounds,
tastes, smells and feelings like no other place in the world. Nestled
in the Mississippi River's crescent, the quarter is a blend of old and
new traditions, cultures and customs.
Fortunately, the day I was there was an Italian holiday, St. Joseph's
Day.
St. Joseph's Day is a Catholic thanksgiving dating back to the Middle
Ages. Elaborate altars laden with food and wine were offered to St.
Joseph as thanks for delivering rain to save crops and provide a bountiful
harvest.
I met the St. Joseph's parade in the French Quarter that day.
All the people there were dancing, drinking beer, and laughing. Ladies
can not refuse the request for a Kiss from the Italian gentlemen and they
would get a beautiful paper flower or the famous Mardi Gras Beeds after
the kiss. The Quarter were full of smell of beer, smile faces and
happiness that night. What a wonderful night!