Magic of the Dark Moonlight

 By Layla

Article 4 – A New Year

Tonight, the French Quarter sparkles with the twinkling holiday lights.  It seems from block to block she smiles and wishes everyone good fortune in the next year. The cold weather warms my heart and makes both the living and dead feel alive. 

As I walk in the surprisingly quiet quarter, I begin to see all the ladies of history celebrating in their beautiful gowns and best Sunday clothes.  In New Orleans, death is an option and tonight the ladies are very much full of deadly life. The excitement and cheer in every time period is intoxicating. While time stands still tonight, I can hear the celebration of every generation. Some ladies are walking with their children and husbands to go spend a quiet night with family.  Some are going to a friend’s home to partake in a much-awaited Reveillon Dinner. These dinners begin at midnight after Christmas and New Year Eve’s mass. The elaborate 7 course dinners continue into the morning hours.That’s hard-core partying! Some are going to jazz clubs to dance the night away.  But one custom is consistent. The generations come together for fireworks.  In some time periods the firework shows are at the Mississippi River and some on Canal Street. I laugh to see all souls celebrating with fireworks, ringing bells, screaming and even shooting guns in the air. The city has always outlawed fireworks. But in New Orleans laws and ordinances are simply suggestions. One of a million reasons I love my city.  

Finally, it doesn’t matter what century, decade or year it is, every soul is also celebrating the upcoming carnival season. The transition from the Christmas to the Carnival is magical. New Orleans never ceases to amaze me. Everyone is family, everyone belongs. There is always a family party in New Orleans. Always.