UNO Documentary: Celebration in the Oaks

What: Celebration in the Oaks in City Park in New Orleans, LA

Film By: AJ Dazee

Editors Note: ViaNolaVie partners with students of UNO professor László Zsolt Fülöp, pairing them with artists, non-profits, environmental groups, and cultural entities to facilitate a live curriculum that results in a short documentary.

AJ Dazee, a film student at University of New Orleans, provides us with a documentary about City Park in New Orleans. He takes us through what the park looks like during the day and the abundant greenery that resides here. When Christmas time rolls around, City Park makes a shift to decorate for the holidays. City Park puts up an myriad of light up exhibits that not only are Christmas themed, but also New Orleans themed, showing off the various things that make New Orleans unique.

 
[Full Transcript]
New Orleans, Louisiana, a place known for its culture and vibrant nightlife and wetlands. Although New Orleans nightlife is often associated with the French Quarter, the vibe shifts after Thanksgiving. City Park in New Orleans is a very popular spot among residents and tourists alike for its sprawling greenery and relaxed ambiance. At almost two and a half square miles, City Park offers more space than even Central Park in New York City.
 
City Park also features the only forested area of New Orleans. Because of its size and internal road system, City Park is the perfect spot to host such a display as the Celebration in the Oaks. 
 
Due to COVID the celebration in the oaks had to reformat itself as a drive-through event. Before Coronavirus, the event was more like a typical New Orleans festival with rides, games, drinks, and fully immersive interactive experiences.
Although the format has been modified, this just goes to show that nothing can keep the people of this city from spreading cheer.
 
Also, much of the light displays are evocative of creole culture, as that is what makes New Orleans so unique. Another remarkable aspect of City Park’s Celebration in the Oaks is the inclusivity. There are displays that are pertinent to a wide array of faiths and religions further displaying the warm acceptance and appreciation fostered by this beautiful city.
 
It is a great comfort to the people of New Orleans to come together during times of need. The Celebration in the Oaks is just one slice of the love and peace that New Orleans has to offer. Although times have changed due to Coronavirus, the insistence on bringing holiday cheer to the people of New Orleans is a perfect demonstration of what makes New Orleans so special.

 

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