|
|
 |
 |
New Orleans Celebrates Mardis Gras and Its Own Recovery
After Hurricane Katrina nearly destroyed New Orleans in August of 2005, people worried that the party might be over for good. But this year's Mardi Gras showed the city is on the comeback trail. Despite the damage that still remains to many streets and buildings, thousands of people arrived to party and show support.
The celebration offered a much-needed relief from the worry and suffering that most people in New Orleans are experiencing. Katrina flooded 80% of the city, causing billions of dollars in damage. Since then, only half of the people that lived there have returned. Many are still waiting for the government to help them rebuild their homes.
New Orleans has the most famous Mardi Gras in the United States. The name, which means "Fat Tuesday" in French, is the final day of a celebration that marks the days before the Christian period of Lent. This year, the mega-party lasted from February 10th until February 20th. Colorful parades, crazy costumes, music, and beads were all part of the fun.
New Orleans is relying on tourists for money that will be used to rebuild the city. Over 95% of the hotels were booked and more than 700,000 party-goers attended, much more than last year. That's still short of the one million people who came for Mardi Gras each year before Katrina struck but it's a sign that the party is from over.
I'm Ben and that's what happened in our nation this week!
How much do you know about New Orleans and Mardis Gras? Let's find out in this week's Just the Facts game!
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
