Highlights Of The New Orleans Caribbean Festival 2016
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Highlights Of The New Orleans Caribbean Festival 2016

My first experience at the New Orleans Caribbean Festival and the things I enjoyed most.

42
Highlights Of The New Orleans Caribbean Festival 2016
NOLA Caribbean Festival

Ahhh, the Caribbean. The Caribbean usually sparks a relaxing feeling in many people because it is associated with summer vacations and perceived as an amazing retirement spot. Did you know that New Orleans is referred to as the Caribbean’s northern-most city? So, it makes sense that many Caribbean cruises leave the New Orleans docks each year.

The New Orleans Caribbean Festival is a young multi-cultural festival established to celebrate Caribbean culture and emphasize the cultural connection between New Orleans and the Caribbean. A perk resulting from the youth of this festival was that it was not overly crowded. So instead of spending your time waiting in lines and getting bumped by people, you can have your personal space to enjoy yourself! The festival attracted a wonderful crowd of locals looking to hear live music and soak up some Caribbean culture. The people enjoyed swaying, singing and dancing along to music from nine different countries. The bands that I most enjoyed came from Jamaica and Cuba.

Of course, we have to talk about the food. After careful consideration, I decided on a place called The Pupusa Lady. The ceviche was tempting, but I ultimately chose the delicious Caribbean barbecue chicken paired with fried rice and beans and pupusa. Pupusa is a traditional Salvadorian dish. It is described as a thick tortilla that is usually stuffed with cheese, beans, or meat. To put a Caribbean twist on the pupusa for the festival, they stuffed it with plantains!

I had the pleasure of meeting an artist named Kevin

at his tent. I was intrigued by his vibrant, colorful pieces. When I asked him what inspired his work, he explained to me his love for New Orleans, Caribbean and African cultures. He wanted his work to reflect his love for these cultures and show them beautifully blended together. Kevin was proud to follow in his father’s footsteps as a talented artist. He made the decision to not attend art school because he already had the best teacher: his father.

Another tent that intrigued me (because I am a health nut) was the Fresh Cane tent. Fresh Cane is a local company that produces sugar cane juice. The founder, named Arpit, was kind enough to let my boyfriend and I sample his local sugar cane juice. To my surprise, it was absolutely delicious. I have previously tasted plain sugar cane juice and I remember having a hard time drinking that cup. The Fresh Cane juice tasted completely different from that first juice experience. Arpit explained that they add ginger and lemon to the juice. Not only does this add amazing nutrients, but it made the juice taste phenomenal as well! If you wish to try it yourself, Fresh Cane can be found at the Downtown Farmers’ Market in New Orleans.

After a Caribbean rum punch, people were ready to salsa (regardless of how hot it was). Two salsa dancers led the group as we danced our cares away. I like to think I held my own next to those instructors, but it doesn’t matter how well you dance as long as it puts a smile on your face!

All in all, the Caribbean Festival will definitely give you a “don’t worry, be happy” feel by the end of it. The vibes were positive, the adults were happy, the children were playful, and the food was good! I have a feeling that this festival will grow in popularity each year. Thanks for a great Saturday NOLA Caribbean Fest

!


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

9751
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

941998
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

118977
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments