First, New Orleans is a city dependant upon their geography, …show more content…
Tidal and brackish, the lake forms a popular resort and recreational region,” (“Lake Pontchartrain”). The fact that Lake Pontchartrain is connected to other Lakes, makes New Orleans more of an attractive city, creates a better boating area, and helps support the economy and help everyday life. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia states that Lake Pontchartrain has “ The two causeways over Lake Pontchartrain opened in 1969, both spanning about 24 miles long,” (“Lake Pontchartrain”).This feature of New Orleans makes coming in and going out of New Orleans much easier for tourists and people who live there. New Orleans relies greatly on its geographical location for its economy and many of their traditions are important to the area. According to The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, “ The economy of New Orleans has historically been regulated by its location on one of the most productive river systems in the world. Its key location on the Mississippi and its close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico encourage an economy based largely on shipping and port-related industry,” (“New Orleans” …show more content…
According to Yoder, Mardi Gras is a large outdoor festival that combines singing, dancing, and drinking, which has grown into something very popular and rambunctious (Yoder). The people of New Orleans are known for this wild and crazy atmosphere during the time of Mardi Gras. Yoder also states, ”Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday. In the Christian tradition, the forty days prior to Easter constitute Lent, for many a somber spiritual period of fasting and penance,” (Yoder). This is always an exciting time in New Orleans and a great time of year for their economy and their city. According to Yoder, ”Mardi Gras, in all of its forms in southern Louisiana, has become a famous tourist attraction. The influx of nearly 750,000 visitors generates nearly one-half billion dollars in local spending,” (Yoder). This helps local businesses, hotels, the city, and more. Without this annual income and this decade old tradition, the city would not be the same. Another massive part of the cities culture and tradition is their famous gulf side cuisine. The Comptons Encyclopedia Britannica states, “From informal backyard crab boils to elegant six-course meals, dining in New Orleans is more than a daily routine for sustenance. It is a way of life as well as major entertainment. This passion resulted in