NATIONAL CUDDLE UP DAY

Each year on January 6th, National Cuddle Up Day encourages us to snuggle up with someone for the health benefits and more!

January typically has some of the coldest days of the year, so what better way to stay warm and reap the health benefits of cuddling on National Cuddle Up Day? Whether it's a three-dog night (a night so cold it takes three dogs to cuddle up with to stay warm) or only slightly chilly, there are multiple benefits to cuddling with a human or canine, or other pet.

Cuddling releases oxytocin. This hormone alone has tremendous health benefits. Besides giving us warm and fuzzy feelings, oxytocin reduces pain. So when the cold has made those muscles and joints ache, cuddling can help reduce those aches and pains.

Oxytocin also helps reduce heart disease, lowers blood pressure, stress, and anxiety. Of course, insurance carriers would probably cover cuddling if it weren't free since it's such a huge health benefit!

Communication is more than just e-mails, texts, or conversations. Physical touch also communicates trust, commitment, safety, and reassurance. This goes for human-to-human contact as well as human-to-pet contact; cuddling expresses all these things, which are vital to a healthy relationship.

Cuddling also boosts sexual desire. Dopamine is released, stimulating the brain to seek pleasure. But dopamine also can improve memory and focus as well.

Don't have someone to cuddle up with? Make an appointment for a massage. Studies show massage provides similar benefits.

Some Western Christian churches know the feast day as Three Kings Day. It recalls the visit of three Magi, or wise men, to the infant Jesus, and their sense of wonder at the encounter. It is the 12th day after Christmas and closes the Christmas season.

January 6 is an important date on Louisiana's calendar, because it marks the official opening of “Carnival season,” the time when private Mardi Gras balls and street parades are staged. This date, called Twelfth Night, is the Feast of the Epiphany in the Catholic faith and marks the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. The best part about Epiphany? It's most often honored by serving a delicious king cake. When is Mardi Gras?

The Church set this fixed date for the start of the festive Carnival season (from the feast before Ash Wednesday through the fasting of Lent), but kept a moveable one for the single day of Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday), which is 47 days before Easter. So Mardi Gras can be as early as February 3 or as late as March 9, making the Carnival season as short as 28 days or as long as 63 days.Mardi Gras Kick-Off: Parades & Events

• Several events and parades are typically scheduled on January 6 in New Orleans, starting with a morning press conference and king cake party with the mayor. Representatives from all of the parades that roll in the city typically attend this event. Explore other parades and events on January 6, like: The Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc foot parade strolls through the French Quarter.
• The Phunny Phorty Phellows, the group that started the trolley tradition in 1991, rolls from the Willow Street Car Barn on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar.
• The Funky Uptown Krewe hops on its own streetcar at South Carrollton Avenue and follows the St. Charles streetcar line to Uptown.
• The Société des Champs Elysée rolls down North Rampart Street and Loyola Avenue.
• A private ball, presented by the city’s second-oldest Carnival organization, the Twelfth Night Revelers. Borrowing from a centuries-old European custom, the men roll out a giant cake and distribute slices to young ladies at the ball. The lucky young woman who receives the golden bean hidden inside the cake is declared queen; the remaining women receive silver beans and serve as maids in her majesty’s court.  

King Cakes Throughout History

In ancient times, tribes that survived the harshness of winter celebrated by baking a crown-shaped cake, using the preceding year’s wheat. Within the cake was placed a seed, bean or nut. Later, the Romans chose a king for their festivals by drawing lots. The Catholic Church linked these ancient customs to the Feast of the Epiphany in the 4th century. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Roi de la Fève (King of the Bean) was celebrated in both art and literature in Europe, and “Twelfth Cakes” were annually featured in England. Twelfth Night rituals took place in Creole homes in New Orleans when its French settlers brought the gateau des rois (king cake) custom with them. In 1870, the Twelfth Night Revelers formalized the Mardi Gras connection with its first parade and ball.King Cakes Today

With a small plastic baby doll tucked inside it today, the oval-shaped cinnamon brioche dough is covered in granulated sugar in the Mardi Gras colors of purple, gold and green. Custom dictates that whoever receives the tiny favor buys the next cake or gives the next party. Traditionalists will not eat a slice of king cake before Twelfth Night. By the early 21st century, more than 1 million king cakes were being consumed locally each year, with another 75,000 shipped out of state via overnight couriers.Top Places to Buy King Cake in Louisiana

• New Orleans: Manny Randazzo King Cakes, La Boulangerie, Antoine's, Dong Phuong Bakery
• Lafayette: Keller's Bakery, Poupart Bakery, Great Harvest Bread Co.
• Alexandria: Atwood's Bakery, Doce Vida Brazilian Bakery
• Baton Rouge: Gambino's Bakery, The Ambrosia Bakery, Eloise Market and Cakery

Open on Sundays AND Mondays?! Yes, please!

Laissez les bon temps rouler with Haydel’s EVERY DAY of the week with our updated Mardi Gras hours:

Sunday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Monday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Pre-order your king cakes with us today by calling our bakery. Happy Almost Mardi Gras Season!

2025 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

The Mardi Gras season is upon us again! Here's the parade schedule for 2025 (subject to change):

Monday, January 6

5pm Society Des Champs Elysée - Marigny (walking parade only)

7pm Phunny Phorty Phellows - St. Charles streetcar route

followed by Funky Uptown Krewe

8pm Joan of Arc - French Quarter

Saturday, January 25

6pm Krewe Mosaique - French Quarter

Saturday, February 1

7pm Krewe of Chewbacchus

Friday, February 14

7pm Krewe Bohème - Marigny/French Quarter

Saturday, February 15

6:30pm Krewe du Vieux - French Quarter

followed by krewedelusion

Sunday, February 16

1pm Krewe of Nefertiti - New Orleans East

4:30pm 'tit Rex - Marigny

Friday, February 21

3pm Cork - French Quarter

5:30pm Oshun - Uptown

followed by Cleopatra

Saturday, February 22

9:30am Krewe of Pontchartrain - Uptown

followed by Legion of Mars

followed by Choctaw

followed by Freret

5:30pm Knights of Sparta - Uptown

6:15pm Krewe of Pygmalion - Uptown

Sunday, February 23

11am The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale - Uptown

12:30pm Krewe of King Carrollton - Uptown

1:30pm Krewe of King Arthur - Uptown

2pm Krewe of Barkus - French Quarter

Wednesday, February 26

6:15pm Krewe of Druids - Uptown

followed by Krewe of Alla

Thursday, February 27

5:30pm Knights of Babylon - Uptown

followed by Knights of Chaos

followed by Krewe of Muses

Friday, February 28

11:30am Krewe of Bosom Buddies - French Quarter

5:30pm Krewe of Hermes - Uptown

6:30pm Krewe d'Etat - Uptown

7pm Krewe of Morpheus - Uptown

Saturday, March 1

10:45am - Krewe of NOMTOC - Westbank

11am Krewe of Iris - Uptown

12pm Krewe of Tucks - Uptown

4:15pm Krewe of Endymion - Midcity

Sunday, March 2

11am Okeanos - Uptown

followed by Krewe of Mid-City

12pm Thoth - Uptown

5:15pm Bacchus - Uptown

LUNDI GRAS Monday, March 3

2pm Red Beans - Marigny

5:15pm Proteus - Uptown

6pm Orpheus - Uptown

MARDI GRAS Tuesday, March 4

7am Half-Fast Walking Club - start at Commander's Palace

7:30am Mondo Kayo Social and Marching Club - start at Third & Magazine

8am Zulu - Uptown

10:30am Rex - Uptown

followed by Krewe of Elks Orleans

followed by Krewe of Crescent City

Morning - Societé de Sainte Anne - Marigny/French Quarter

Meet the newest member of the family…King Cake Beignets. Available throughout carnival season.

Bakers Dozen Donuts New Orleans

lovebakersdozen.com

https://www.lovebakersdozen.com

Bakers Dozen Donuts Wed-Sat 5am-11am Sundays 6:30am-11am CLOSED MONDAYS & TUESDAYS 3305 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson LA 504-828-2811 

This week, St. Tammany Parish will experience freezing temperatures in the mid to low 30s. Please remember the 4 P's: People, Pipes, Pets & Plants! Check in on loved ones, wrap your pipes, bring your pets indoors and cover plants!

If you choose to run water during freezing temperatures, remember to only run a trickle of cold water to reduce the usage load on utility systems.

City of New Orleans Activates Freeze Plan

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans today announced the activation of the Citywide Freeze Plan (CFP) effective Monday, Jan. 6 through overnight Wednesday, Jan. 8, in anticipation of cold weather.

The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts "feels like" temperatures at or slightly below freezing during this time-period. This projected range is within the CFP activation threshold of below 35 degrees Fahrenheit (inclusive of wind chill) for over four hours. A Cold Weather Advisory has been issued.

The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) is coordinating closely with the NWS and will update residents via NOLA Ready if the likelihood of local impacts from winter weather increases. A hard freeze is not expected in New Orleans at this time, but residents should be prepared to protect people, pets and plants from the cold.

Shelter for Unhoused Individuals 

The freeze plan will be implemented to provide temporary shelter for unhoused residents. If someone is in need of shelter, please call the City’s non-emergency line at 3-1-1. Individuals needing shelter will be accepted, free of charge, at the following locations:

· Ozanam Inn (2239 Poydras St.) starting at 4 p.m.

· New Orleans Mission (1130 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.) starting at 4 p.m.

· The Salvation Army (4526 S. Claiborne Ave.) starting at 4 p.m.

· Low Barrier Shelter (1530 Gravier St.) starting at 8 a.m.

· Rosenwald Recreation Center (1120 S. Broad Ave.) starting at 12 p.m.

Cold Weather Preparedness  

Residents are encouraged to take precautions to protect people and pets during cold weather, using these tips:  

Stay Warm 

· Stay inside in heat during extreme cold  

· If you go outside, wear layers, a hat and gloves, and carry a cell phone  

· Check on neighbors, children, the elderly and chronically ill to make sure they are okay  

· Bring pets inside  

Practice Fire Safety & Prepare Your Home  

· Never leave space heaters unattended  

· Never use a stove or an oven to heat your home  

· Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to be sure they are working  

· Have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it  

Residents are encouraged to sign up for NOLA Ready emergency text alerts by texting “NOLAREADY” to 77295. More information about winter weather is available at https://ready.nola.gov/winter.  

King Cake Hub opens for regular business Monday, Jan. 6, at 8:30 a.m. Beforehand, people lining up for the first cakes will find live piano music from Josh Paxton in the beer garden and donuts and kolaches from Paw Paw's Donuts for snacking on site.

King cake from around the city at King Cake Hub at the Zony Mash Beer Project in New Orleans - clockwise from top, chocolate king cake from Bittersweet Confections, praline from Caluda's King Cakes, chocolate from Gracious Bakery + Cafe, bananas Foster from Brennan's. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)

PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER

This year, there will be some 100 different king cakes cycling through from producers including Bittersweet Confections, Breads on Oak, Brennan’s, Bywater Bakery, Caluda’s, Cannata’s, Caywood and Randazzo Bakery, District, Hi Do Bakery, Gracious Bakery, Joe Gambino’s Bakery, the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), Sugar Love, Nolita, Mad Batter Bakery and Marguerite’s King Cakes, Tartine and La Vie en Rose.

King Cake Hub operates daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Lundi Gras (March 3 this year, and the countdown is already on).

 The Christmas season has come to a close, and you might be wondering what to do with your tree.

Jefferson Parish officials are reminding residents of its Christmas tree recycling program as residents get ready to ring in the new year.

According to the parish, residents in unincorporated Jefferson Parish and the Town of Jean Lafitte can bring real Christmas trees with no lights, garland, tinsel, ornaments, tree stands or plastic bags to 400 David Drive or 6440 Lapalco Blvd. from Jan. 4 through Jan. 14.

Parish officials also said residents can place their trees on their curbs on Wednesday, Jan. 8, to be collected on Jan. 9, 10 or 11.

Flocked, painted and artificial trees will not be collected.

Parish officials said the recycled trees will be used to build wave-dampening fences to reduce coastal erosion in the Barataria Basin.

Rodrigue:

Before the Blue Dog

A new Louisiana State Museum exhibition Rodrigue: Before the Blue Dog, opens at the Cabildo .

This new exhibit presents more than fifty of Rodrigue's unique paintings alongside Louisiana State Museum artifacts related to Cajun culture. 

2025 NOCCA King Cake Menu

• Gluten-Free Cinnamon: This is ideal for anyone who loves the taste of a classic New Orleans king cake but can't do gluten. Soft and pillowy inside, with a not-too-sweet cinnamon ribbon and crust, vanilla glaze, and shimmery edible glitter, this is a cake for everyone to enjoy!
• Satsuma Almond: This king cake is made with rich almond paste and tart, tangy Louisiana satsumas. It's braided with a brioche-style dough, glazed with even more satsuma, and dusted with purple, green, and gold edible glitter. Give it as a gift or enjoy it yourself.
• Salted Caramel Apple: This king cake is spiced apples and lightly sweetened cream cheese in a brioche dough, glazed with salted caramel, and finished off with crunchy caramel bits and edible glitter. It's like a whole Carnival parade in a box, and is available through January 26, 2025.
• Additional limited-edition flavors will be announced at a later date, including a special Valentine's Day King Cake.

All proceeds support NOCCA's Culinary Arts program, helping cultivate the next generation of New Orleans culinary talent. The partnership with French Truck Coffee adds an extra dimension, with their special "Big Chief" Carnival blend benefiting the NOCCA Foundation.

Event Details: Available January 6 to March 2, 2025 | Pre-order at NOCCAMarketplace.com| Local pickup at NOCCA and select retailers

HE 2025 MARDI GRAS GUIDE has begun distribution. Copies may be found at all Barnes & Nobles, Beads by the Dozen, Plush Appeal, Mardi Gras Bead Factory, TJ's Carnival Supply, Jefferson Variety, with more outlets coming daily. Our 49th annual edition

Parran's Po-Boys of Kenner

Hungry? Red Beans and Rice Monday.

Kenner

2321 W Esplanade Ave 504-305-6422

Metairie

3939 Veterans Memorial Blvd 504-885-3416

Open 11-7:30 pm

Los Jefes Grill

Brunch isn’t brunch without bottomless drinks… and now a mariachi band. Weekend brunch Saturday + Sunday 11AM — 2PM. KIDS EAT FREE!

The ULTIMATE

"SUPER-MARDI GRAS" 2025

EACH Remarqued Signed & Numbered Print is

HAND-PAINTED in GOLD by artist ANDREA MISTRETTA - Year #40

Limited Edition of only 777 prints 18" x 24"

Poster Includes KREWE's names in CALLIGRAPHY

https://mardigrasgraphics.com/order.html

We're pleased to announce that Kid Cafe', a free after-school meal program for youth- ages 18 and under, is now underway. In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, No Kid Hungry, and Share Our Strength, the program ensures that low-income children at afterschool program sites across New Orleans have access to nutritious meals during the school year. Kid Cafe' meals are available Monday through Friday from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at multiple NORD rec centers. For more information, call us at 504-658-3052.

MEMBERS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS

OF THE BACKSTREET CULTURAL MUSEUM

On Monday, January 6, 2025 the Backstreet Cultural Museum – “A Powerhouse of Knowledge – will celebrate 12^th Night by hosting a Mardi Gras Indian practice from 5 pm to 6:30 pm at the museum's home at 1531 St. Philip St.

It is “calling all culture bearers” to come out and participate in the event as it toasts with wine and King cake the start of Carnival season.

Thanks to all for your continued support. Let the tambourines ring!

Backstreet Cultural Museum

1531 St. Philip St.

New Orleans, LA 70116

504-657-6700

backstreetcmuseum@gmail.com

www.backstreetmuseum.org

(504) 895-9323

glenn@charliessteakhousenola.com

4510 Dryades St, New Orleans, LA, 70115

Cathedral to offer interfaith prayer service at 6 p.m. Monday January 6

In the wake of the senseless act of violence on New Year's Day, the Archdiocese of New Orleans will host an Interfaith Prayer Service to pray for those who lost their lives, the survivors, and their families, as well as for peace and unity in our community. The prayer service will be Monday, January 6th, at 6 PM at St. Louis Cathedral. All are welcome to attend.

Les animaux

Pets and animals in French ; un chien = a dog; un chat = a cat; un lapin ; une vache = a cow; un mouton = a sheep; un cheval ; un renard = a fox;

Celebrating the arrival of the Carnival Season, the costumed and masked krewe of the Phunny Phorty Phellows will gather on Twelfth Night, January 6, 2025 in the Willow Street Car Barn.

At 7pm sharp, the Phunny Phorty Phellowsl will board the streetcar and begin their traditional ride to "Herarld the Arrival of Carnival" down the St. Charles Ave. Streetcar Line. Of course Storyville Stompers were there with us.

The Phellows are an historic Mardi Gras organization that first took to the streets 1878 through 1898. They were known for their satirical parades and today¹s krewe members’ costumes often reflect topical themes. The group was revived in 1981.

One Carnival historian has referred to the organization as the “Dessert of Carnival.”

FUNKY UPTOWN KREWE

Catch us at our 2025 ride!

Follows Phunny Phorty Phellows

Catch us at our 2025 ride!

We kick off the 2025 Carnival season on Twelfth Night, Monday Jan. 6, with the theme Studio 504

​

Put on your disco best & come out on the route to catch DJ Mannie Fresh! He's been riding with us since 2019 (go DJ, that's our DJ!), the ONLY DJ bringing the beats LIVE FROM INSIDE THE ST CHARLES STREETCAR to the people of NOLA, ready to kick off Carnival season! The Kings of Brass are back again with a Carnivaltastic set to start the night off at Bouree before we board our Soul Streetcar to toss YOU our signature hand-decorated vinyl record throws! Finally, BIG THANKS to Fat Harry's for hosting us for post-ride libations & celebrations!

Catch one of our treasured vinyl record throws- pop up anywhere on the route after 7pm on Monday Jan. 6, 2025!

The Bluegrass Pickin' Party is an open acoustic bluegrass jam. Bring your guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, dobro, harmonica, or singing voice to join the jam circle. Beginners welcome to come and learn traditional bluegrass music. Intermediate and advanced players welcome as well. This weekly jam is also open to anyone and everyone who'd like to come listen and enjoy the music.

Jan 2025

Mon, Jan 6

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Mon, Jan 13

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested

Mon, Jan 20

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested

Mon, Jan 27

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested

Feb 2025

Mon, Feb 3

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested

Mon, Feb 10

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested

Mon, Feb 17

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested

Mon, Feb 24

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested

Mar 2025

Mon, Mar 3

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested

Mon, Mar 10

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested

Mon, Mar 17

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested

Mon, Mar 24

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested

Mon, Mar 31

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested

Apr 2025

Mon, Apr 7

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested

Mon, Apr 14

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, Apr 21

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, Apr 28

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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May 2025

Mon, May 5

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, May 12

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, May 19

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, May 26

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Jun 2025

Mon, Jun 2

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, Jun 9

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, Jun 16

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, Jun 23

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, Jun 30

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Jul 2025

Mon, Jul 7

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, Jul 14

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, Jul 21

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, Jul 28

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Aug 2025

Mon, Aug 4

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, Aug 11

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, Aug 18

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, Aug 25

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Sep 2025

Mon, Sep 1

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, Sep 8

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, Sep 15

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, Sep 22

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, Sep 29

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Oct 2025

Mon, Oct 6

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested

Mon, Oct 13

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Mon, Oct 20

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested

Mon, Oct 27

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested

Nov 2025

Mon, Nov 3

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested

Mon, Nov 10

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested

In Person Classes in New Orleans

Mondays, 7:30-8:30pm

"Shimmer" Bellydance Basics

For all levels. Ongoing

$60 per month or $18 drop in.

10 classes, used within 10 wk., $120

At: "The Movement Collective"

3921 St. Claude Ave, (Bywater)

New Orleans

 Tamalyn Dallal

Movement Collective - New Orleans

Public 

 ·

Mondays, 7:30-8:30pm

Come and dance...

Bring veils, zils, and your hips to do lots of shimmies.

$18 per class, $60 per month

10 classes for $120

www.tamalyndallal.net

LSU Women's Basketball...

BATON ROUGE – No. 6 LSU (17-0, 2-0 SEC) defeated Auburn (9-6, 0-2 SEC) in the PMAC on Sunday, 73-63.

Aneesah Morrow earned her 15th double-double of the season with a 21 point, 14 rebound performance. Morrow is now one double-double shy of 90 which would tie her for the third most in NCAA DI history. 

Kailyn Gilbert added 17 points on 8-10 shooting off the bench. She was a perfect 6-6 in the first half with 13 points, including 11 points on 5-5 shooting in the second quarter alone. 

“I just trust in the work I put in,” Gilbert said. “I was here early in the morning, getting up shots, before the game, getting up shots. I might come back tonight and get up more shots. I am working every chance I can.”

“I thought KG coming off the bench was really the difference in the ballgame,” Coach Mulkey said.

“(Gilbert) pushes the tempo every game and she is a big impact for our team,” Morrow said. “She brings the energy. She is really quiet, but she brings the energy for our team.”

Auburn was led by Audia Young, who scored 19 points on 7-10 shooting. DeYona Gaston entered Sunday’s game having scored at least 29 points in four straight games for Auburn, but LSU got her in foul trouble and held her to 16 points on 7-10 shooting.

LSU did not make a three in the game, but shot it 56-percent from the field and went 13-17 from the free throw line.

The Tigers are on the road on Thursday at Tennessee. With the College Football Playoff in action Thursday night, LSU’s game will not air on linear television, but will be streamed on the SEC Network+.

Sun.

Jan 5

#6

vs.

Auburn

Baton Rouge, La. (Maravich Center)

Thu.

Jan 9

at

Tennessee

Knoxville, Tenn. (Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center)

5:30 pm CT

Parade Route

17th Annual Joan of Arc Procession

MONDAY January 6, 2025, 8 p.m. 

REVISED ROUTE AND LATER START TIME THIS YEAR

Joyeux Anniversaire, Jeanne d’Arc!

Celebrating St. Joan of Arc’s birthday and Twelfth Night, this annual walking procession is a medieval-themed theatrical procession, inspired by Joan’s time in 1400s France. Joan of Arc liberated the citizens of Orleans, France, from a British siege in her first victory in 1429—resulting in her moniker “The Maid of Orleans.” Our procession honors our own unofficial patron saint, The Maid of New Orleans: the beloved golden French Quarter statue, a gift to the City of New Orleans from France in the 1950s, and our French history and heritage. It’s a short, family-friendly parade — quirky, whimsical and spiritual.  

The procession starts on time at 8 sharp, makes a few pauses for a bit of medieval pageantry, and ends around 9:45 p.m. NOTE THAT THE ORDER OF THE STOPS HAS CHANGED, as the route will be “backwards” compared to previous years.

• Starts at French Market Place and Barracks, left onto Decatur
• A pause to sing Happy Birthday at the Joan of Arc statue as we pass it on the Decatur side; 
• Right up Dumaine, left onto Chartres
• The sword blessing at Saint Louis Cathedral;
• a toast to the royalty and young Joan “Maid of Honor” in English and French from the balcony of the Historic New Orleans Collection;
• Left onto Bienville, right onto S. Peters
• the crowning of the king and king cake ceremony at Oscar Dunn Park (the sidewalk amphitheater across from Jackson Square).  
• NEW THIS YEAR! The PUBLIC is invited to fill the amphitheater risers, where they can enjoy an excellent view of the king cake ceremony and the entire parade. Get your king cake from Bon’s New Orleans Street Food Cafe next to the park, and take your first bite with us during our king cake ceremony!
• NEW THIS YEAR! Following the king cake ceremony, the parade will continue back to the French Market, passing the statue for a second time on the S. Peters side around 9:45.
• Ends at French Market Place and Barracks

Muff-a -Lottas

Drum roll please……

It’s Carnival time and we’re thrilled to announce our official schedule of Mardi Gras parade appearances!

Our first appearance is TOMORROW! We’re celebrating King’s Day as the Flaming Heretics in the Joan Of Arc Project 8pm

Comedy House New Orleans

The most unique comedy show in New Orleans is The Open Mic From Hell, hosted by Chris Trew (as seen on MTV, Comedy Central, America's Got Talent)

CHNO ( Comedy house New Orleans)

609-610 Fulton St

New Orleans, LA 70130

Mon,January 6

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

(Entry at 7:30 pm)

The Open Mic From Hell is the most unique night of comedy in New Orleans.

Everything about the show is chaotic and unpredictable in the most beautifully hilarious way. 

The list of performers? A total mystery. 

The jokes they’ll tell? Nobody knows, not even them. 

How does it work? Comedians sign-up on the list an hour before showtime. At least 13 names get pulled out of the bucket. 

When a name gets pulled they come on stage and make a choice - do they do an entirely new set based on words from the audience, or a special challenge set. 

Past challenges have had comics doing their set outside on the street, with noise canceling headphones on, and with a designated heckler in the crowd. We are always adding new, improved, and ridiculous challenges to the show. 

NATIONAL BEAN DAY

Green, red, kidney, lima, or soy are just a few of the different kinds of beans recognized on National Bean Day on January 6th.

This day celebrates the bean in all sizes, shapes, and colors. We've been cultivating beans (legumes) since the early seventh millennium BC. And today, just as throughout the Old and New World history, beans provide a significant source of protein. Not only are beans an exceptionally healthy meal and snack choice, but they supply an excellent source of fiber. They are low in fat and are high in complex carbohydrates, folate, and iron, too.

In one cup of cooked beans, supplies between 9 and 13 grams of fiber. Soluble fiber can help in lowering blood cholesterol.

• There are approximately 40,000 bean varieties in the world.
• Only a fraction of these varieties is mass-produced for regular consumption.

IT'S ALL ABOUT BEANS

• Try a new bean recipe.
• Try beans you've never tasted before.
• Introduce a new variety of bean to your cooking regimen. When you do, be sure to share the recipe.
• Since beans are so beneficial, you'll want to keep friends and family informed of your bean discoveries.
• Use #NationalBeanDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL BEAN DAY HISTORY

National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this food holiday while sampling the extensive variety of beans available. 

Bean FAQ

Q. Can I grow my own beans?

A. Yes! Beans are a terrific crop to grow and there are enough varieties that one will certainly fit your climate. 

Q. What is a pulse?

A. A pulse is a flowering plant grown for food and the dry seed it produces. They are members of the legume family.

Q. What are the benefits of eating beans?

A. Beans are packed with nutrients our bodies need. They are also an excellent source of protein and fiber.

Matthew Dillon

 On December 30, 1910, 114 Years ago, John Bevins Moisant The "King of the Aviators" threw an extravagant event at the City Park Racetrack near where Tad Gormley stadium was built years later. His experimental aircraft was in a race against a Packard Automobile , where the Packard Car won the race.

Large crowds showed up on December 31, 1910 to a Jefferson Parish field in Harahan, Louisiana near Wendell-Williams Airport to watch his experimental flight that turned to horror from a gust of wind that threw John Moisant from his seat, plummeting him to the ground.

He was rushed to Charity Hospital but was dead on arrival.

A Kenner, Louisiana field that later became known as New Orleans International Airport was named in honor of John Bevins Moisant.

The Kenner field in which became the airport was once a Stockyard for Cattle.

The Airport has had a few name changes in the past years but the (MSY) Moisant Stock Yards will always be a reminder of our past history.

In the same sense as one great aviator was taken from us on December 31st another admirer aviator is born on December 31st, more commonly known as Musician John Denver born December 31, 1943.

Although John Denver was mostly known for his music, his passion was to be a pilot. His song: Leaving on a Jet Plane became a classic for Peter, Paul, and Mary.

Although John Denver didn't leave us on a jet plane, he died like the King of the Aviators John Moisant did, living his passion on an experimental aircraft for the event that he loved. [[[https://youtu.be/vLBKOcUbHR0

Louisiana (History)

The Robt. E. Lee

An 1876 photograph of the launching of the Robt. E. Lee at the Howard Shipyard in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Construction was completed at Portland, Kentucky and New Albany, Indiana, with finishing touches at Cairo.

Considered to be more pretentious than her predecessor, she was designed for the New Orleans-Vicksburg trade. She entered that trade August 15, 1876, and ran regularly until February 16, 1877, when she blew a cylinder head, killing one of the crew. After $3,500 in repairs, she resumed the trade on March 24. She finished the season July 1, 1878, having made a total of 43 round trips and bringing to New Orleans large and extensive shipments of the following goods: many thousands of bales of cotton and sacks of cotton seed; hundreds of sacks of cotton seed meal, cotton and oil cake; and many hundreds of barrels of cotton seed oil, flour, apples, whiskey, molasses, potatoes, plus other miscellaneous cargo.

While downbound from Vicksburg at 3:30 a.m. on September 30, 1882, she caught fire at Yucatan Plantation and, according to some witnesses, she "went up like gunpowder", with a loss of 30 lives and a financial loss of $118,000.

New Orleans Steamboat Stories

Derby Gisclair 

Pennyland on Royal Street in the French Quarter in New Orleans in 1964

Louisiana Memories

Canal Street in New Orleans in the 1960s

Louisiana Memories

If there is a need for emergency assistance, you should always call 911. However, DDD’s SafeWalk is a service provided to Downtown residents, workers and visitors, so people can feel safe and confident walking to and from anywhere Downtown. Downtown SafeWalks are offered free of charge within the Downtown DDD boundaries. To schedule a SafeWalk, contact the DDD Public Safety Rangers during regular operating hours: 7 days a week, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Call or text (504) 415-1730 to check availability. If texting, include name, location and time of meet-up.

Check out our Daily SPECIALS Y’all!

• 4101 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA, United States, Louisiana
• (504) 324-6841

• 6711 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA, United States, Louisiana

(504) 733-2248

The Snow Queen 

Presented by The Mudlark Puppeteers 

Special Performance  One night only

Thursday, January 9th 

At The New Marigny Theatre 

2301 Marais St- corner of Marais and Mandeville 

Doors 6:30, performance at 7p

Suggested $10 children- $20 general admission

Get your tickets today!

https://www.themudlarkneworleans.com/merchandise/p/ticket-to-the-snow-queen?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3a1k1F9TokuH4xiBeAZ5X40mfgjE4yrrvAk8EXACjrk_8E6wWzYzU_OHE_aem_mvx4_jZDlJofg6g5vVRlwA

 New Marigny Theatre at Church Of Arts & Sciences

COME IN FOR 

WINE DOWN

FRIDAY

--------------------------------------

Wine Down Friday with one of the largest wine selections in the city.

With one of the largest selection of wines in the Greater New Orleans area, Langenstein's and Prytania Wine & Spirits has WINE DOWN FRIDAY.

Wine Down Friday is a weekly 10% discount on all bottles of wine purchased every Friday.

So join us every Friday to "Wine Down!"

The Wine Down Friday discount is limited to wine in stock at our three Langenstein's locations in Uptown, Old Metairie, River Ridge...and every Friday at Prytania Wine & Spirits too!

UPTOWN

1330 Arabella Street, New Orleans, LA 70115

Phone: (504) 899-9283 | Mon-Sat: 7:00am to 7:00pm

Sun: 8:00am to 6:00pm

Breakfast served Daily: 7:00am to 10:00am

Lunch & Dinner on our Hot Bar Daily: 11:00am to 6:00pm (Closes at 5 pm on Sunday)

OLD METAIRIE

800 Metairie Rd, Metairie, LA 70005

Phone: (504) 831-6682 | Mon-Sat: 7:00am to 8:00pm

Sun: 7:00am to 7:00pm

Breakfast served Daily: 7:00am to 10:00am

Lunch & Dinner on our Hot Bar Daily: 11:00am to 6:00pm (Closes at 5 pm on Sunday)

RIVER RIDGE

122 Sauve Rd, River Ridge, LA 70123

Phone: (504) 739-1000 | Mon-Sat: 7:00am to 8:00pm

Sun: 7:00am to 7:00pm

Breakfast served Daily: 7:00am to 10:00am

Lunch & Dinner on our Hot Bar Daily: 11:00am to 6:00pm (Closes at 5 pm on Sunday)

PRYTANIA WINE & SPIRITS

1300 Arabella St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Phone: (504) 891-0448 |

Mon-Sat: 10:00am to 7:00pm

Sun: Closed

Free wine tastings every Friday.

FACEBOOK: @PrytaniaWineandSpirits

INSTAGRAM: @prytaniawineandspirits

Comedy House New Orleans

THE BEST COMEDY SHOW EVERY FRIDAY!

Get ready for a night of non-stop laughs with the BEST stand-up comedy in New Orleans every Friday! Tickets are selling fast – grab yours now before they're gone!

Don't miss out on the funniest night in town!

LPO celebrates carnival time in New Orleans with an energy-filled program with a Mardi Gras flair featuring Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals and a special performance by LPO Academy string students!

Comedy House New Orleans

Saturday nights just got a lot funnier!

Join us in the heart of NOLA’s Arts District for Super Standup Saturday, featuring top local talent and visiting comics seen on Netflix, MTV, and more. Don’t miss out!

• 610 Fulton St, New Orleans, LA 70130-1612, United States, New Orleans, LA, United States, Louisiana
• (504) 444-9553

Gymnastics

Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad

Sat.

Jan 11

at

Session II with Cal, Oklahoma and Utah

Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad

Oklahoma City, Okla. (Paycom Center)

3:00 pm CT

• Buy Tickets
• ABC / ESPN+

Fri.

Jan 17

vs.

Florida

Baton Rouge, La. (Maravich Center)

Presented by

6:30 pm CT

• Buy Tickets
• ESPN2

Fri.

Jan 24

at

Arkansas

Fayetteville, Ark. (Barnhill Arena)

6:45 pm CT

Jan 20, 2025, Monday @ 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Industry Coffee Break

514 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA, United States, Louisiana 70130, 514 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130-2110, United States

Hosted By New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

New Orleans Jazz Club 12-29

JAZZ, JAZZ, JAZZ... we're back this Sunday, for some great Jazz from fantastic musicians at Mo's Chalet from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. It's an open Jam Session to Trad Jazz musicians and those who love the music which is FREE and open to the public. NOTICE to musicians...all musicians are welcome to play whether you're a regular or new to the Club. Keyboards and drums are provided so bring your ax and sign in and you'll be assigned 1 of 4 sets to perform in. Mo's provides a safe and welcoming environment for an afternoon of New Orleans Jazz. Bring your family and friends to create your own Jazz party where outside food is OK with a cash bar hosted by Sandy, Metairie's finest plus join in on our 50/50 cash drawing. Become a member and be a part of New Orleans music history by supporting America's oldest Jazz Club which was started in 1948. The NOJC Jam Session's are held on the last Sunday of the month from 2:00 to 6:00 pm.

NFL on FOX 

WE GOT NEXT.

See you in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX on FOX

Just two days after Super Bowl LIX, Jefferson Parish will celebrate its 200th birthday on Feb. 11. Bicentennial festivities kicked off at the State of Jefferson address Tuesday with the unveiling of the official poster, depicting a pelican before the Mississippi River in vivid pink and blue hues. It is illustrated by Louisiana artist Becky Fos, known for designing the 2023 state "I Voted" sticker, modeled after the Louisiana state flag.

A limited supply of signed and numbered posters can be purchased for $150, with proceeds going toward the Jefferson Community Foundation.

Courtesy of Jefferson Parish

The parish will celebrate the bicentennial on Feb. 11 with a Light the Night event, followed by a community-wide king cake party at Lakeside Mall on Feb. 15.

The following month, a bicentennial-themed Senior Expo will take place at the Alario Center on March 20, and a "Park to Park" 10K run will happen March 22 at Lafreniere Park.

Festivities for the parish's 200th birthday will come to a close June 14 with the Bicentennial Ball at Lakeside Mall, hosted by the Jefferson Community Foundation. Lee Sheng said she wanted parish events to involve the entire community and asked residents and local business owners to get involved.

"I want our bicentennial to feel like everybody's a part of it," Lee Sheng said in her address.