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last update
September 2, 2010 |
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Southern Decadence
started thirty-nine years ago as a simple going-away party.
As a top gay Labor Day Weekend destination, it has evolved into one of
our world's major annual
events. One of the largest annual celebrations in New Orleans,
it has become known as the "Gay Mardi Gras." People begin to
arrive on the Wednesday before Labor Day, and generally don't even
think about stopping or going home until the following Tuesday.
With over 100,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender participants,
and an economic impact estimated to be in excess of $100
million, the city
has recognized its importance with an
Official Proclamation to welcome the
event.
The
city's wildest neighborhood gets even crazier as the French Quarter is packed for the entire event; however, the big day is
Sunday.
That's when the
Grand Marshal leads the annual parade through the streets
beginning at 2 p.m. The 2010 Grand Marshals are Julien Artressia
from The Bourbon Pub / Parade
and
Toby LeFort. The official theme for 2010 is "Leather and
Feathers" and the colors are black, powder blue
and purple.
 The corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets is
generally considered to be the epicenter of
Gay New
Orleans, and even more so during the Southern Decadence
festival weekend. At that
intersection is the largest gay nightclub,
The Bourbon Pub
video bar and
The Parade
dance
club, which is home to the hottest dancers in town.
Across the street is Hit Parade Gift and Clothing store.
Most of the city's
main
gay attractions are located within a few blocks of this intersection.
Check out our
French Quarter Map.
Most
street party activities take place in the immediate area of
the French Quarter, and the dance parties are in the clubs.
And since the gay bars never
close, there is something happening around the clock. Some of
the nation's best DJs work the crowds into a frenzy. For
2010, the DJ lineup will include Brett Henrichsen, Max
Rodriguez, Lydia Prim, Chi Chi LaRue, Mike Bryant, Jayskee, Brendan Thompson, Chris Allen and Blair Quintana,
with a live performance by superstar recording artist Erika
Jayne.
No wonder the weekend is often
referred to as
Southern DecaDANCE!
Chi Chi LaRue, the "Diva of Decadence," returns in 2010 for
his 13th anniversary. The Bourbon Pub / Parade
welcomes performance artist FLAVA on Saturday night, and
singer Sean van der Wilt on Sunday night. The Bourbon Street
Extravaganza will return with a free outdoor concert on Saturday
afternoon at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets,
featuring performances by Deborah Cox, Erika Jayne, Kimberley Locke and Jeanie Tracy. DECA-DANCE
XXII, the largest dance event of the weekend, is Saturday
night upstairs at The Bourbon Pub / Parade. And new in
2010: SIN, a party on Sunday just for the girls, presented
by Girl Bar.
A Weekend Pass will guarantee admission, save money and
allow you to avoid general admission lines. Weekend
Passes for 2010 are on sale now.
The new
VIP Weekend Pass is sold out, but Standard Weekend Passes
are still available. Online pass sales have ended;
however, but you can get yours at the Welcome Center in New
Orleans, located at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann
Streets, directly across the street from The Bourbon Pub.
Please join our email list below
to keep up with all of
the news.
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Here are the dates for
Southern Decadence 2011
Thursday, September 1 through Monday, September 5 |
Got a
question?
Check our list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Or email us at
info@southerndecadence.net
Contents © 2010 SouthernDecadence.net -
Please read our
copyright policy
regarding use of this material.
Southern
Decadence model photo courtesy of
Chi Chi LaRue and Channel One Releasing
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