Lexis Deppe, Sophomore
In the southern corner of Louisiana is the Big Easy City, a city some say that “care forgot” when it comes to the carefree lifestyle of its people. However, while the people there may forget their cares in the heat of the summer, come October the city becomes a wild celebration of Halloween love.
For the past thirty years, Halloween has become a time of celebration for the community; specifically the LGBT community, which comes together to share their love, unique culture, and familial care. This resembles the togetherness that they had during the dark AIDS crisis in the 1980s where they were left to self care for one another. They celebrate their triumph and joyful spirits without letting the negatives affect their lives.
In New Orleans, Halloween has been a large part of the LGBT community for over thirty years, with a mission to provide funding for the Lazarus Project, a health care and support service home dedicated to men and women with HIV/AIDS. Since its inception, the HNO festival (Halloween New Orleans) has raised over $5 million for the Lazarus Project and is one of the only 100% donation/volunteer weekends left in the United States.
HNO takes place on the final weekend before Halloween every year--with a new theme annually and ‘Halloween Carnival’ serving as this year’s concept. HNO is a four day celebration filled with costumes, galas, games, music played by DJs, food and drinks, and wide arrays of creative fun for all. All profits go towards helping those in medical need.
If you’re ever traveling down to the southside of Louisiana, stick around for Halloween to experience a trip filled with pride and unity while surrounded by the ambience and joy of New Orleans.
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