Written by Ned Randolph
NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) – In the days since a U.S. Army veteran plowed his truck into dozens of New Year’s revelers, normality has begun to return to battered but defiant New Orleans, where music is once again pouring from clubs and restaurants are brimming with tourists.
After leaving flowers at a makeshift memorial, Mayor LaToya Cantrell led New Orleans’ traditional brass band parade down Bourbon Street on Thursday, where the FBI said a Texas man carried out the Islamic State-inspired attack.
At least 15 people were killed, including the attacker.
Dinner reservations are returning quickly at the historic Galatoire’s in the French Quarter, the city’s historic Creole-flavored district where tourists flock.
Caroline Rodrigue, a 31-year-old restaurant hostess, saw Cantrell’s parade, one of the otherwise frequent processions known locally as second lines that accompany funerals, celebrations and social events.
“It was very emotional,” she said. “It’s time to be resilient and come together. I’d definitely rather be here together than sitting at home wondering.”
Restaurant staff and patrons said they were reassured to see many police officers and other camouflaged patrols posted on Bourbon Street, which is often packed at night with partying tourists.
The city, nicknamed the Big Easy for its usually laid-back mood, has weathered many storms, including the catastrophic Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which killed more than 1,300 people in and around New Orleans.
“There’s a lot of talk about using the word ‘resilience,'” said Walt Leger, head of New Orleans & Company, the city’s tourism marketing office. “Each time you get stronger and stronger and so yeah, we’ve had our fair share of challenges, but this one has now been added to that list.”
The mayor said that security will continue to be increased in the city, which is ready for major events in the coming weeks. The New Orleans area depends on tourism and the convention industry, attracting 17.8 million visitors in 2023, according to state data.
US President Joe Biden plans to visit on Monday to meet with officials and families of the victims. Following (LON:) month, the city will host the National Football League’s Super Bowl. And in a few days, New Orleans begins its famous multi-week Mardi Gras celebrations.
‘EVERYONE LOVES A PARADE’
Along the Mississippi River on Friday, designers and builders put the finishing touches on Mardi Gras boats inside a hangar at Kern’s Mardi Gras World, a workshop and tourist attraction, ahead of next week’s grand opening parade.
Tour guide Lee Curran took the visitors through and said the holiday season, known for its many costume-filled parades, celebrity marshals and bead tosses, is a touchstone for the city’s residents.
“It’s Mardi Gras, right? It definitely lifts the spirits,” he said. “If that doesn’t happen, it’s not good for the economy or good for morale. Everyone loves a parade.”
In the hangar, Emma Duhe, 19, carefully applied blue paint to a large model marlin that will adorn the March 2 “super float” in the Krewe of Bacchus inflatable parade, one of New Orleans’ most famous parade organizations.
“I feel like I’m doing something for the city I’ve spent my whole life in,” said Duhe, a graphic design student at Louisiana State University.
In the French Quarter at the Bourbon House seafood restaurant, Chad Weaver, 40, shucked oysters for customers and said New Orleanians won’t let fear change the city’s upbeat atmosphere after this week’s terrifying events.
“You can’t predict that someone is out to harm you,” he said. “There’s nothing you can do but beef up security.”
Outside the Bourbon House, a crowd gathered around the One Way Brass Band, undeterred by Wednesday’s attack.
Embracing the city’s tradition of upbeat music “is a big middle finger to ISIS,” said Danna Crary, referring to the Islamic State, as she watched the band with her miniature schnauzer.
“That’s the way it should be. It’s hard for the families, but I won’t let them take our spirits away.”
Not everyone was so optimistic. At Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar, a waitress, who did not want to give her name, said she was scared and watching people nervously.
Terry Cooney, manager of the Ticklers bar, said he could have used another day off to deal with the fear and uncertainty caused by the mass attack.
“I hope this is the end. I pray to God,” said the 53-year-old.
