Many different groups have influenced the culture and daily life in New Orleans. The city has food, music, events, art, and so much more. However, despite the fact that not many people think of it, religion is one of the most important parts of life in New Orleans.
The origins of the religion of New Orleans, and on a larger scale, Louisiana, started with the French, who had a very strong Roman Catholic presence. It was then passed over to the Spanish, who also followed the same branch of Christianity, then back to France. When the irish and italians eventually immigrated to New Orleans, they brought with them their version of Catholicism. The author of Royally New Orleans Blog Spot describes this merging of different …show more content…
The impact this group had on New Orleans was immense. The Ursuline Sisters were one of the first women's religious orders to arrive in New Orleans. According to a quote from “Religion in New Orleans,” the Ursuline Sisters “...came to New Orleans, founded schools and orphanages, and ministered to the needs of the poor.” They helped by trying to make New Orleans a proper city with different establishments that catered to the needs of the poor and the troubled. They even offered much needed medical care to those who needed …show more content…
Churches are let out early, schools close, businesses shut their doors, People have parties near parade roots, and people on floats start celebrating. Everything going on around new tourist would be something completely new and surprising. The reason they would be surprised is because Mardi Gras happens almost exclusively in New Orleans, and although it may not seem like it in any way shape or form, has religious influences. The first day of Mardi Gras is January sixth, but that date is also the Twelfth Night, a Christian holiday that comes twelve days after Christmas. The twelve days are a time for people to celebrate and feast, and the Twelfth Night is usually the climax of that tomfoolery. In New Orleans, we changed this day to be the beginning of a celebration that last around two weeks and called it Mardi Gras. These two week's end on a Tuesday. During this time, people go to parades, eat as much and whatever they want, and party like they won’t wake up in the