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I’ll be in town for Southern Decadence over Labor Day Weekend. Is there a place to calm down amidst all the action?

Southern Decadence, one of the largest celebrations for the gay community in the world, takes place in New Orleans from August 29 through September 3. Known as the “Gay Mardi Gras,” over 100,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender participants will come to the French Quarter for lively dancing, music and performances by comedians and drag queens.

The festival began as a going-away party in 1972, thought up by a group of housemates who formed a bond by lounging together in their bathroom reading Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire. Their appreciation for the play led them to nickname the house ‘Belle Reve,’ after the plantation in Desire. They decided to try and take their minds off the August heat by throwing a party celebrating over-the-top characters in Southern literature. About fifty people dressed up as “decadent Southern” personalities and began partying late Sunday evening knowing that the party would keep going into Labor Day. Over the next 36 years, the festival evolved to include a parade, Grand Marshal, official theme, color and song and the dates of the celebration expanded.

This year, Chi Chi LaRue, the “Diva of Decadence,” will host the “Ancient Truth, Lies, and Sacrifice” themed event. Attendees wearing crimson, gold and teal (the official colors for 2007) will watch performers such as comedienne Shirley Q. Liquor, performance artist Adam Killian and the indescribable Lady Bunny. Beautiful Lies- 2007’s anthem- will pulse in the background.

The French Quarter will be home to non-stop action and frenzied partying, but in the midst of it all is Hotel Maison de Ville serving as a quiet respite. Go out and enjoy the fun, then come back and rest in luxurious surroundings, relax by our pool and enjoy breakfast in bed. Staying at Hotel Maison de Ville during Southern Decadence means ‘Beautiful Dreams’ (Belle Reve) by day and night.

Enjoy luxury in the midst of decadence at Hotel Maison de Ville.

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