NEW ORLEANS TODAY Maison DuBois and New Orleans were alive during another VERY successful Mardi Gras. 2009 was the largest Mardi Gras since 2005 (before Hurricane Katrina). There were large, jovial crowds along parade routes (at least 800,000 people, but actual numbers were probably closer to pre-Katrina numbers of one million people). The French Quarter and world-famous Bourbon street were packed. Now that the beads have stopped flying its time to consider your next visit to Maison DuBois. See our current list of upcoming festivals below. Upcoming Events and Festivals: Saint Patrick’s Day Weekend March 13-17 Spring Fiesta March 27 - April 5 French Quarter Festival April 17-19 Zurich Classic April 20-26 Jazz Festival April 24 - May 3 Wine and Food Experience May 18 – 22 Book now by visiting our website at www.maisondubois.net.		Reserve Today!
CITIES OF THE DEAD The above-ground tombs in the cemeteries of New Orleans are often referred to as "cities of the dead." This term derived from the many family tombs that look like miniature houses complete with iron fences and the rows of tombs resemble streets. Enter their gates and you will be greeted by decorative, rusty ironwork, and blinded by the sun bleached tombs. Crosses and statues on tomb tops cast contrasting shadows adding a sense of mystery. Votive candles line tombs on holidays to remind you the Dead have living relatives that still care. New Orleans has always respected the dead, but this isn't the reason the tombs of our departed loved ones are interred above ground. Early settlers in the area struggled with different methods to bury the dead. Burial plots are shallow in New Orleans because the water table is high. Dig a few feet down, and the grave becomes soggy, filling with water. The casket will literally float. The early settlers tried by placing stones in and on top of coffins to weigh them down and keep them underground. Unfortunately, after a rainstorm, the rising water table would literally pop the airtight coffins out of the ground. Eventually, New Orleans' graves were kept above ground following the Spanish custom of using vaults. On your way into New Orleans from the airport, you can glimpse the newer Metairie Cemeteries. The older and more renowned cemeteries are St. Louis No. 1, 2 and 3, located near the French Quarter. Pirates, politicians and voodoo queens are buried in these cities. You will notice that flowers, votive candles and hoodoo money (coins left for favors) are left at many of the notable graves, particularly Marie Laveau, the notorious Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. Some say that individuals still practice rituals at her grave. (They say you have to turn around three times; knock three times; and make a wish. During your next stay at Maison DuBois let us arrange a cemetery tour for you. For more information visit our links page.		Cities of the Dead in New Orleans.
LEARN THE LINGO: NEW ORLEANS STYLE "Mudbugs" Mudbug is a term we use for crawfish from the bayou! Dating back to the native Americans and the early European settlers, the crawfish has been an inherent part of Louisiana culture. Abundant in the swamps and marshes across south Louisiana, crawfish were a favorite food of early residents. Centuries later, crawfish season in Louisiana is still exciting, with crawfish boils and backyard parties a time-honored tradition. Mudbugs are NOW IN SEASON so book now to enjoy this local delicacy.		Mudbugs are in season!
ENTER TO WIN A FREE NIGHT STAY AT MAISON DUBOIS Win a free night stay in New Orleans. Come see us and celebrate! Your visit will not only ensure you the unique cultural travel experience but you will also be a part of the REBIRTH of New Orleans. So here is hoping that we will see you soon and be able to say Bienvenue New Orleans. Click here to enter. This month's winner: Patsy Smack from Baton Rouge, Louisiana!		Click here to enter.