More than 10 million people visited New Orleans in 2004. The city was on pace to break that record in 2005 prior to Hurricane Katrina. While it's true many residents who were displaced may never return, the citizens of the city who have returned are showing why New Orleans is "America's Most Interesting City." Almost all events and festivals have since returned. The two most well-known fests, the world famous Mardi Gras and local favorite "JazzFest," were never interrupted.

Mardi Gras
In 1699, French explorer Iberville made camp with his men about 60 miles south of present-day New Orleans. Iberville knew that the day, March 3, was being celebrated as a major holiday back in France, so he christened the site Point du Mardi Gras. The history of Mardi Gras perhaps has roots even deeper than France, with some historians relating it back to a pagan festival in ancient Rome. The story goes that Christian church officials realized it would be too difficult to keep the newly converted Christians from their pagan ways. Instead, they directed them to conduct this festival as a precursor to the Lenten season, thereby leading to the modern climax of the festival, Fat Tuesday.

Today, people from around the world flock to New Orleans the week before the Lenten season to join the celebrating masses, masked paraders and weeklong party that ensues prior to Fat Tuesday. Unlike many other events, Mardi Gras went on as planned after Hurricane Katrina, with resourceful planning and fearless tourists.

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Known by locals as "Jazzfest," this festival was founded in the 70s and has continued to grow in popularity to this day. Even in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, "Jazzfest" founders proved the show must go on, and the event was never interrupted. That year's event featured local musicians as well as better-known musicians such as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen even performed a slightly rewritten traditional song, "How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?" at the festival as a tribute to the city. "Jazzfest" is currently held during the day at the New Orleans Fairgrounds on two weekends, the last in April (from Friday through Sunday) and the first weekend in May (from Thursday through Sunday).

Other Notable Events

January
The Sugar Bowl - The Sugar Bowl is the second oldest college football bowl game, played in the Superdome just after New Year's.

February
Zulu Fest - Local and world-renowned musicians play live on two different stages at this festival. It also features a carnival, and local food and beverage vendors.

April
French Quarter Festival - Hundreds of musicians perform live on 15 stages. The event features jazz, brass, blues, funk and rock n' roll music.

May
Southern Decadence - This event on the Sunday before Labor Day celebrates gay and lesbian rights.

June
New Orleans Seafood Festival - Held at Jackson Square and the French Quarter, this festival features fresh catches, live music, cooking demonstrations, tastings and cookbook signings. The festival also offers food vendors, and is designed to promote the fishing industry.

July
Essence Festival - This festival is generally scheduled for early July, celebrating R&B and Hip-Hop Music.

August
National Hot Air Balloon Championships - Watch hot air balloon competitions, including liftoffs. Other features include fireworks, music and children's activities.

September
Annual Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival - The festival unfolds at the Zydeco Fairgrounds, and features authentic zydeco and French music performances.

October
Festivals Acadiens - Held at Girard Park, this event is a combination of festivals, including Downtown Alive!, the Louisiana Craft Fair, the Bayou Food Festival and Festival de Musique Acadienne. The event features zydeco and Cajun music, Cajun and Creole food, native crafts, special events and folk-life exhibits.

November
Highland Games of Louisiana - Celebration of Scottish culture with a fiddle competition (Friday) and the games (Saturday) featuring traditional athletic events, dancing, a children's village, a bagpipe competition, British car exhibition and sheep-dog demonstrations.

December
Old Mandeville Dickens Christmas Festival - Festival-goers are encouraged to dress for the costume contest at this event. The festival features horse and carriage rides, theatrical skits, Christmas caroling, Scrooge Scavenger hunts for kids and an evening costume ball. Don't miss the Dickens-era breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings.

Sources:
(http://www.neworleansonline.com/tools/)

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans)