History, people, fables and critical essays on the 24/7 life of the French Quarter. “The great music of the city is…when you say good morning and good evening.” (Mr. Jerome Smith)
In Spanish Plaza, this year’s queen of Carnival, Carroll Gelderman, stood by as Rex issued a proclamation.
“I do hereby ordain decree the following,” Laborde said, “that during the great celebration all commercial endeavors be suspended. That the children of the realm be freed from their studies and be permitted to participate in the pageantry.”
And to the city’s political leaders, he added:
“That the mayor and City Council cease and desist from governance.”
“We will fulfill the will of the people and turn over the key to the city to you, so that tomorrow in New Orleans will be a day of abandon,” Landrieu said. “Happy Mardi Gras.”
French Quarter block by block 