Happy 296th Birthday, New Orleans

Today is New Orleans' 296th birthday. Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, the governor of French Louisiana, founded New Orleans, (or Nouvelle-Orléans) on May 7, 1718. Since then, New Orleans has grown to be one of the most historic and culturally rich cities in the United States. New Orleans is home to one of the best football teams (who dat!), over 365 festivals, Mardi Gras, and jazz music. New Orleans is also home to the famous street car, to-go cups, dirty dive bars, the filthy Mississippi River, and red beans and rice. Over time, New Orleans has grown to have many nicknames, probably more than any other city in the United States. This post will help to explain where these nicknames have come from!




The Crescent City





This name refers to how New Orleans grew geographically. The way the Mississippi River weaves through the city, and the creation of surrounding inhabitants and neighborhoods, creates a crescent shape. Now, there's a Crescent City Farmers Market, a Crescent City BBQ and Blues Festival, a Crescent City Classic 10K Run, and much more!

Crescent City shape of the Mississippi River (1891)

The Big Easy

One of the most common nicknames - this refers to the laid-back attitude and relaxed pace of life of those in New Orleans. Many have also suggested that the nickname resulted from the ability of jazz and blues musicians to find work playing music. Some say that no other city was as accepting to musicians playing on the streets and in bars into the late hours of the night. This strong music culture still exists today.

Other historians suggest it relates more to the laid-back attitude towards alcohol consumption and partying in New Orleans. It seems obvious - but New Orleans has a strong party culture and an open-container policy that allows individuals to roam the streets freely with a drink in hand. This drinking culture persisted even during the Prohibition, when speakeasies were common, which also contributes to the name 'Big Easy'.

A film was also made in 1987 titled The Big Easy, and the nickname surely was used more after its creation.

"The Big Easy" by Bryan Spear.
http://www.theydrawandtravel.com/maps/the-big-easy-new-orleans-louisiana-bryan-spear

Nawlins
This is how many natives say New Orleans in their accent - it's just a combination of New Orleans into one word. Sounds kind of like New-Awlins. Same idea as the word 'y'all'!


The City that Care Forgot 
Kind of like the Big Easy, this refers to the carefree attitude of New Orleans residents. The idea is that everyone is relaxed, carefree, and goes about their lives as they please -- and tourists and visitors can do the same! New Orleans is an informal, tolerant, and happy-go-lucky city, especially when compared to the bustling of fast pace of cities like New York, DC, or Boston.

America's Most Interesting City
Do we really need to explain this one? The food... the music... the architecture... the people... the weather...

A Mardi Gras Indian Parade 

NOLA
An obvious one - abbreviation for New Orleans, Louisiana.

Hollywood of the South

22 Jump Street 

This is a very recent nickname for New Orleans. Lately, many films have been produced here in New Orleans - the weather is good, it's cheaper than LA, there's lots of different terrain types nearby, and it's a fun place for everyone on set to live for a few months. Many movies have been filmed on Tulane's campus - most recently, 22 Jump Street was filmed here, and many Tulane students got to participate as extras! Yes, that means Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill were walking around campus...

12 Years A Slave, also filmed in Louisiana.

The high number of nicknames for New Orleans is not random or a coincidence - it perfectly displays the strength of the city's culture. New Orleans has a rich history that is unique from that of any other city, and it is amazing that Tulane students are able to explore the infinite opportunities that exist here in New Orleans during their four years of college. As I prepare for my graduation in just 10 days, I am especially realizing how fortunate I am to have gone to school in such a wonderful and special city.