1. New Orleans National Protected Areas and Mardi Gras

2. Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge Largest urban wildlife centre in US Birds, fish, alligators, reptiles, amphibians Half of a million tourists  all over the world

3. Mardi Gras = Fat Tuesday Carnival celebration Over a million visitors every year Date  changes  - February 3 – March 9

4. Started in the 18th century  Christian festivity Everyone takes part Parades, costumes, live music, people dancing and having fun

5. Mark Twain: “…an American has not seen the United States until he has seen Mardi Gras in New Orleans”