What started as a small costume party held to bid farewell to a friend has blossomed into a huge annual celebration of gay culture that's headed into its 44th year.
More than 100 events are scheduled for Southern Decadence, the annual gay pride festival that started Wednesday and runs through Monday in various bars and clubs throughout metropolitan New Orleans, but primarily in the French Quarter.
"For many years it was just a small party, with mostly locals," said Rip Naquin, one of the organizers and Grand Marshal XLI for this year's celebration. "But, with the advent of the Internet, I guess it was in 1995 when we saw this big influx of people. There were about 25,000 that year. It was amazing and unbelievable. Now, every year, it seems to grow even more."
Last year, about 160,000 people participated in the event, that has an estimated economic impact of about $192 million, he said.
Tony Leggio, who has helped raise funds to cover the costs of some of the free public events including Sunday's walking parade through the Quarter, describes Southern Decadence as "a big, gay version of Mardi Gras."
"It's a celebration of gay culture that's fun and held in a city that's very welcoming," he said. "It's a unique one-of-a-kind event. I don't know if any other city could handle it."
The event includes a float parade, which was held Friday, a walking parade on Sunday, several block parties and outdoor concerts and talent shows and costume contests. Most of the events are free; some held at area businesses may require a cover charge.
This year's theme is "Swimming with the Gods and Goddesses." But because it's usually so hot in New Orleans, most who participate "don't wear a whole lot," Leggio said. Full story here!
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