Southern Decadence

I live in New Orleans and always look forward to Southern Decadence! It's a weekend where everyone is so happy and just having fun. Be sure and hit up all the fun gay bars, and don't miss the parade. It's colorful and entertaining with a bit of naughty sprinkled in. Enjoy!!

Had the most amazing time shooting Southern Decadence today!Now if you know Southern Decadence you know the parade is ALL about the costumes and let me tell you they did not disappoint!From Drag Queens to skimpy dressed construction guys and Bears in leather dogs mask the parade had it all.Most importantly the mood was one of joy and unity as marching bands, dance troops and Krews made their way through the French Quarter. I wish all parades were this joyful and positive.Now I know this review is short but check out my pics because "photos are worth a 1,000 words".

I've been attending Southern Decadence since the 90s (maybe) and my favorite part is the parade. Because y'know it's a parade and it's interesting how it's changed over the years. I'm glad to see many of the regular marching groups walking in the parade now.It's still a parade that celebrates...whatever you might be into, not just LGBTQ so be aware if you're bringing kids or your old people. Also shout out to any NOLA parade that makes me have awkward conversations with my Mom.Don't expect to catch anything at the parade, just enjoy the pageantry. There are also a bunch of other things going on. Some official, some word of mouth, maybe you'll get invited to someplace fun!

Every year during the weekend preceding Labor Day (unless a hurricane is coming at us, and even then) Southern Decadence is home to the biggest gathering of queer and queer friendly folks in New Orleans. In the bars and in the streets, thousands of people of all backgrounds gather to celebrate, dance, costume, drink and generally get decadent.There are dance parties, house-parties, parties in the street, & parties on balconies, all of which include carrying on, frivolity, and grand amounts of decadence. There is normally a parade at 2pm on Sunday which always provides some very colorful photo opportunities, and there is always lots and lots of glitter.This is not a 'family friendly' event by the conventional use of the term, it is however a FAMILY event, if ya get what I mean.From the website: "It is one of the largest annual celebrations and festivals in New Orleans, and has become known as the "Gay Mardi Gras." People begin to arrive on the Wednesday before Labor Day, and generally don't even think about stopping or going home until the following Tuesday. With over 120,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender participants, and an economic impact estimated to be in excess of $125 million, the city has recognized the festival's importance with Official Proclamations to welcome the event."

Southern Decadence is a blast!! A fun time to hit up the "Gayborhood" part of the French Quarter and there is a parade! It's usually super hot. Be prepared to dance. There is so much to do and so many various music, drag, burlesque ect. shows all over the city all weekend long. It is like Pride pt. 2.

This is our way of acknowledging the full spectrum of humanity, and all it's members.Think if this as NoLa's answer to Pride on Amphetamines and you'll get the gist. The parades are awesome and the thousands of yearly visitors continues to grow. After all, this is not just an illustration of it cuties decadent ways but a reflection of our southern values.

"Gay Mardi Gras" is often used to describe Southern Decadence and it's one of the most accurate ones I've seen. This is the premier LGBTQI event in the Gulf South, and probably only second to Folsom Street Fair in terms of adult festivals.As expected, this is not "family friendly" by any means. However, it is one of the most welcoming, open celebration I've ever seen. It doesn't matter if you're part of the LGBTQI movement, a supporter, or just an innocent bystander caught in the middle of things everyone is happy you're there to celebrate.

Fabulous fun. Great parade!!!!.. Old fashion way. No politics or massive floats. Just people having fun.