In New Orleans, people just party in the streets. This
sounds like a stereotype, doesn’t it? And, it may be a stereotype, but it is a
stereotype that is totally true. I know because I have seen it with my own
eyes. I’m not even talking about an exceptional
occasion like Jazz Fest or Mardi Gras; I
am telling you that I have witnessed the formation of a spontaneous street
party with my own eyes.
I was
at Antoine’s in the Hermes Bar, enjoying dinner with my family. All of the
windows and doors were open, and there was a seamless transition from the
interior of the restaurant to the old, narrow street outside. Just as I was
finishing my last bite of baked Alaska, three men, each with a different brass
instrument came promenading around the corner, and, deciding that the middle of
the road was an ideal spot for a little jam session, began to play a lively
jazz tune. How nice, I thought to
myself, dinner and a show. Little did
I know what this benign spectacle would escalate into.
At
first, just a few people stopped by to watch the band. Some watched for a few
minutes before heading on their way. Others only slowed their pace just so that
they could enjoy the music for a moment, without idling over much. However, not fifteen minutes had gone by
before this band of vagabond musicians had themselves a small audience. Just
moments later, the small audience had grown into a considerable crowd. Before I
knew it, a frenzied parade of people filled the entire street, and the brassy
music was almost lost in the swell of elated cries.
I
realized at that moment why New Orleans is such a charming city. The spirit of
eternal celebration that is so present here creates an atmosphere that makes
locals feel especially at home while also entreating newcomers to stay forever.
The life of the city creates a cycle of companionship. Our celebrations bring
people together to revel in our shared friendship, so that the next time we
hear lively jazz music, it is second nature to come together and celebrate. The
celebration strengthens the bonds of the community, and the cycle starts over
again.
Emily, age 15
