In many of New Orleans’ neighborhoods there are “Cities of the Dead.”
Because most of New Orleans is near, or below sea-level, the dead aren’t buried in the ground but instead are interred above ground in crypts and mausoleums which look like rows of little houses.
St. Louis Cemetery #3 on Esplanade is one of the prettiest.
Families maintain the crypts, and decorate them with varying degrees of enthusiasm, and in a variety of styles…
Minimal, but festive:
Homely, just like Mamaw’s house:
Forever floral:
I’m not quite sure what it is that I like so much about having these cities of dead right in the middle of everything. Maybe it’s that their residents aren’t forgotten. They’re still with us every day. Still invited to the party.
And they are a reminder to appreciate what we’ve got till it’s gone and we’ve moved on to whatever comes next.
Which in New Orleans means one more reason to celebrate, and just moving on to the next party anyway!
