Have your safety pin ready. The community of New Orleans is like no other, and they love any excuse to throw a party. Especially, a birthday party. If you find yourself lucky enough to have your celebration land on a trip to the Cajun country, you might earn a few bucks from the generosity of New Orleanians.
Family, friends, and strangers will cheer you on and wish you a happy birthday when they see you with a safety pin, and with tradition in their hearts, they might open their wallet and slap on a dollar in honour of your special day, buy you a drink, and call you their friend. In this city, people see you, and they will celebrate with you, whether you like it or not, so leave shyness behind and embrace the spice and spirit of the city.
The city breathes life into every celebration. Their vibrant culture, rich tradition, and diverse festivities make New Orleans a perpetual party on the banks of the Mississippi. Beyond all the beads and masks, there is a common denominator, unity.
Embracing the present after centuries of hurricanes, floods, and rebuilding, locals have developed a profound philosophy of “laissez-faire les bons temps rouler,” (let the good times roll). When you´re born into a resilient culture that values living in the moment, using food, music, and communal gatherings to honour traditions and embrace life, celebration becomes a part of your DNA.
The tradition is unique to the city, and some say it originated during the era of slavery. Back in the day, when it was an enslaved person´s birthday, they´d put a safety pin on their clothing, with the hope of raising enough money from the community to purchase themselves in the Supreme Court and be freed from the slave trade.
Although some believe it originated in Yoruba, West Africa, where the tradition is still alive and well today, called “The Money Dance.” Attendees of the wedding will shower the newlywed couple with money to signal communal blessings, prosperity, and financial support.
The birthplace of jazz has music bleeding out of venues and streets, you can´t help but indulge in the practice of party. Not only will you leave the city hungover and well fed, you will be spoiled with memories that will last you a lifetime.
From Mardi Gras floats to Second Lines, there´s no party like the people of New Orleans.
