HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM MAISON DUBOIS We have enjoyed a wonderful 2008 and look forward to a prosperous 2009. The cultural riches, sensual indulgences and unparalleled service that define the New Orleans experience continue to flourish, as they have for centuries. The most celebrated and historic core of the city – including the Faubourg Marigny, French Quarter, Central Business District, Warehouse and Arts District, Magazine Street, Garden District, Audubon Park and Zoo and St. Charles Avenue – is thriving. With all of its facets, a New Orleans experience is never anything but completely authentic. The city’s marvelous eccentricities are born from a rich heritage, respectfully and indelibly woven into the fabric of everyday life here. New Orleans doesn’t act a part for its visitors; it simply welcomes everyone with open arms to a world all its own. Maison DuBois welcomes you with a genuine hospitality and singular flair. The city’s intricate mélange of cultures creates a chameleon destination; with so many aspects to its character, Maison DuBois can fulfill every agenda with equal enthusiasm. “Come see and celebrate for yourself”.		Make your reservations for this year's event today!
FESTIVALS IN FULL SWING Now is the time to fall in love with New Orleans all over again. The myriad of spring festivals are just around the corner. You deserve to treat yourself. Bring your special Valentine for a romantic weekend or put on the green for a weekend of partying and parading through the French Quarter for St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Upcoming Events and Festivals: Mardi Gras (Book 4 Nights get the 5th Night Free) January 6 - February 24 Valentines Day Weekend February 13-15 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 For full details and information please visit our Events page.		Events and Festivals, N'awlins style!
THROW ME SOMETHING MISTER Noted as the city is for jazz, Cajun and Creole cooking, and the French Quarter, Mardi Gras (January 6 - February 24, 2009) eclipses all as New Orleans’ most famous centerpiece. It has arguably the greatest economic and cultural impact of any event in the city. A time of revelry, fraternity, festivity and unabashed indulgence, Mardi Gras reflects New Orleanians’ rich heritage, unleashes the joyous soul of the city and invites everyone to join in the fun. The festival embraces the city’s social and cultural variety, from the Mardi Gras Indians to the Zulu parade to the Endymion ball, and brings everyone together in the spirit of revelry. For full details and information please visit our Events page.		Mardi Gras... like nothing else you have experienced!
LEARN THE LINGO: NEW ORLEANS STYLE Flambeaux [flam-boh] Lighting up the sky with heavy blazing torches, the flambeaux carrier originally served as a beacon for parade-goers to better enjoy the spectacle of night festivities. The flambeaux carriers were originally slaves and free men of color parading, twirling and fooling around in robes. Initially, the flambeaux were established by the old-line Carnival organization Comus, which sought to make “new people and customs the salvation of Mardi Gras.” The sight of African-Americans lighting the way of the elaborate floats was unforgettable. Crowds tossed coins to slaves and free men of color trying to earn money for their task of lighting the way for the floats - a custom that continues today. Now, incorporated in modern processionals, the torchbearers are not only a historic footnote, but serve as a world-class example of performance art. The torches may be lighter and use butane or kerosene, but the entertaining exchange between the crowd and the flambeaux is a rich Carnival tradition.!		Playing with fire!
MAHALIA JACKSON THEATER RE-OPENING WITH ALL-STAR CAST OF PERFORMERS World-renowned tenor Placido Domingo, gospel great Yolanda Adams, violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman and a slate of famed local musicians will take the stage. “I am both touched and proud that New Orleans Opera and the City Council of New Orleans have chosen to name the theater’s new stage after me. I first sang in your beautiful city in 1962, near the very beginning of my career, and I later sang Manrico in Il Trovatore and the title role in Andrea Chénier there for the first time in my life. Those were important opportunities for me -- I am forever grateful to New Orleans for giving me those breaks when I was so young -- and this is why I was especially happy to participate in the benefit performance in 2006. And now I again owe my thanks to New Orleans for the great honor that you are giving me nearly half a century after our first encounter. Long live New Orleans, and long live New Orleans Opera!” – PLÁCIDO DOMINGO Visit our Links page for more info.		Be there for the historic re-opening!
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: Jorge Pineiro from Presque Isle, Maine!		Click here to enter.