Southern Decadence

Southern Decadence is a week-long, predominantly gay-male event held in New Orleans, Louisiana and its environs by the gay and lesbian community during Labor Day Weekend, climaxing with a parade through the French Quarter on the Sunday before Labor Day. Most events take place in or around the French Quarter neighborhood of New Orleans, centering especially on the intersection of Bourbon and St. Ann streets.
Crowds range from 100,000 to 300,000 revelers from across the United States. In 2004 there were over 100,000 participants and the positive economic impact on the City of New Orleans was estimated at over $95 million.
Decadence, as it is known by participants, is marked by parades, bead tossing, street parties and dance parties. In these ways it resembles New Orleans Mardi Gras, however, Southern Decadence is more adult and sexual in tone. It is informally known as "Gay Mardi Gras." Decadence crowds in the Quarter typically match or exceed the Mardi Gras crowds, although the influx of visitors to the city as a whole is not so great as for New Orleans Mardi Gras.
For 2010, the theme is Leather and Feathers. The official colors are black, powder blue and purple. The Grand Marshals for 2010 are Julien Artressia and Toby LeFort.
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Though most of these pictures below are of guys dancing at the Bourbon Pub, I have to tell you that my favorite bar, and my favorite dancers, in New Orleans is OZ, you will never be disappointed.
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Though I used to live near New Orleans, have been to NOLA numerous times, and had some really hot time down there, I have never had the pleasure to go to Southern Decadence.  I have always wanted to go, but for one reason or another, it never seemed to work out.  I hope that they are having a great time in New Orleans this weekend.  Alas, it looks as if I will miss it again this year.