By Ned Randolph
NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) – In the days since a U.S. Army veteran drove a truck into a crowd of New Year's Day revelers, normality has begun to return to the bustling but defiant New Orleans neighborhood, where music is once again popping up in clubs and restaurants are filling up. tourists.
After leaving flowers at an impromptu memorial, Mayor LaToya Cantrell on Thursday led a traditional New Orleans gathering of brass on Bourbon Street, where the FBI says a Texas man carried out an attack inspired by the Islamic State.
At least 15 people were killed, including the attacker.
Dinner reservations are coming soon at the historic Galatoire restaurant in the French quarter, the city's flavorsome historic district where tourists flock.
Caroline Rodrigue, a 31-year-old hostess at the restaurant, saw Cantrell's display, one of the most common practices known locally as second lines that accompany funerals, celebrations and community events.
“It was very emotional,” he said. “It's time to be strong and get together. I'd certainly rather be together than sit at home wondering.”
Restaurant workers and patrons say they are guaranteed to see dozens of police and other undercover patrols on Bourbon Street, which is busy late into the night with partygoers.
The city, nicknamed the Big Easy because of its laid-back nature, has weathered many storms, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which killed more than 1,300 people in and around New Orleans.
“There's a lot to say about the use of the word 'resilience,'” said Walt Leger, head of New Orleans and Company, the city's tourism marketing office. “You're getting stronger and stronger all the time and so yes, we've had our fair share of challenges, but this one is added to that list.”
The mayor said security will remain high in the city, which is preparing for major events in the coming weeks. The New Orleans area relies on the tourism and convention industries and is expected to attract 17.8 million visitors by 2023, according to government data.
US President Joe Biden plans to visit on Monday to meet with officials and the families of the victims. Next (LON:) month, the city will host the National Football League's Super Bowl. And in a few days, New Orleans begins its multi-week Mardi Gras celebrations.
'EVERYBODY LOVES A PARADE'
Along the Mississippi River on Friday, designers and builders were putting the finishing touches on the Mardi Gras float inside the hangar at Kern's Mardi Gras World, a craft and tourist attraction, ahead of next week's opening.
Tourist guide Lee Curran showed tourists around and said that the holiday season, known for many parades full of costumes, famous marshals and throwing bells, was a touchstone for the city's residents.
“It's Mardi Gras, right? It sure lifts the spirits,” he said. “If it doesn't happen, it's not good for the economy, it's not good for morals. Everyone loves a parade.”
In the hangar, Emma Duhe, 19 years old, was carefully applying blue paint to a large marlin model that will decorate the “super float” in the parade to be blown up on March 2 by the Krewe of Bacchus, one of the most famous organizations in – New Orleans. .
“It makes me feel like I'm doing something for the city, where I've spent my whole life,” said Duhe, a graphic design student at Louisiana State University.
Back in the French quarter at the Bourbon House seafood restaurant, 40-year-old Chad Weaver was shucking oysters for customers and said New Orleanians won't let fear change the mood of the city after this week's horrific events.
“You can't predict that, someone who wants to hurt you,” he said. “There is nothing you can do but tighten security.”
Outside the Bourbon House, a crowd gathered around the One Way Brass Band, undeterred by Wednesday's attack.
Embracing the city's culture of upbeat music is “a big middle finger to ISIS,” said Danna Crary, referring to the Islamic State, as she watched the band perform with her miniature Schnauzer.
“It has to be. It's hard on the families, but I'm not going to let them take our spirit away.”
Not everyone was pure of heart. At the Felix Restaurant and Oyster Bar, a waitress who did not want to give her name, said she was nervous and always watching people.
Terry Cooney, manager of the Ticklers bar, said he would not have used another day at work to deal with the fear and uncertainty caused by the mass attack.
“I hope this is the end of it. I pray to God,” the 53-year-old said.