Whether it was a midnight kiss, fireworks or a giant bag of chips on the couch with Netflix, we’re starting fresh for 2019. But don’t get too comfy and jazzed up in your sweatpants just yet. We’re about to get tossed back into the fires of fundom with Carnival just days away. And much like our frenemy, the locust, the Saints are showing up again nearly 10 years after their last Super Bowl bonanza. 2019, we hear you. Atlanta, 28-3.
Let’s get it started: a history of the black-eyed peas
No need to get the bass runnin’, runnin’ and runnin’, runnin’. We’re talking about the staple of the New Year’s Day meal. Actual black-eyed peas. We spoke to Camellia Beans about the southern tradition that we gifted to the country. You’re welcome, America.
Inspiring: How one 9th Ward man overcame criminal charges, depression
From the streets of the 9th Ward to the front of the City Council chambers, Jared Green has used his life experience to enrich the next generation of New Orleanians. He received a proclamation for a book he wrote and his efforts on cleaning up his community. Be inspired for the new year and read about his journey.
Twelfth Night: Why you’ll need your eating pants again
And you thought the holidays were over. (maniacal laugh) Catch your breath while you can because King’s Day is coming this Sunday and that means ALL. THE. KING. CAKE. What makes this a special kind of waist-widening affair this year is that Mardi Gras is March 5. MARCH. So, we have an extra long Carnival season and then a supremely short break before St. Paddy’s Day antics. It’s a marathon, friends. Pace yo’self. Parades start Sunday.
Your Weekend Planner
Friday
Wizard World Comic Con: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Also Saturday/Sunday)| Ernest N Morial Convention Center
Costumes and New Orleans go together like Don Lemon and the Spotted Cat. We love the spectacle. And we’re pretty sure that there will be an abundance of Mera cosplayers in line to see Mr. Jason Momoa. With the recent passing of Stan Lee, this year’s comic con in New Orleans is sure to have a special place in the hearts of all of us nerds.
Saturday
Meowmaste: 10 a.m. | Louisiana SPCA
Yoga with cats to start your day purr-fectly. You’ll be feline fine after this start to the day.
Choppa Style Black & Gold Watch Parties: 7 p.m. | Masquerade Nightclub
The Saints are off this weekend, but you’ll want to know which team will face us and our boys in the dome. The club will have beer specials and a performance by Choppa himself. Get it.
Sunday
PARADES! 7 p.m. | French Quarter & St. Charles Avenue Streetcar line
Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc, Phunny Phorty Phellows, Funky Uptown Krewe
It’s Carnival time and that means king cakes, beads you’ll hold onto for months and then throw away recycle, and, of course, a chorus of four-letter words from drivers, thinking they can drive when parades are rolling.
