We’re heading for the finish line as we wrap up the final events for five October blogs by dipping into early November. To review: New Orleans is enjoyable any time of the year BUT we believe the best time to visit is November through December. This is when visitors find that the weather is “just fine” plus the city is starting to get dressed up for the coming holiday season. In short: it’s a great time to visit.

I. WHAT TWO EVENTS ARE WE GOING TO COVER?

We’ll begin with our popular New Orleans Film Festival before taking a look at NoLA’s fun-filled 2021 Greek Festival – an exhilarating experience if there ever was one! This brings back memories of seeing Melina Mercouri in the Greek movie “Never On Sunday” – CLICK HERE to view the trailer for this film.

FIRST: THE 32ND NEW ORLEANS FILM FESTIVAL

This annual event takes place from Friday, November 5 to Sunday, November 14, 2021 in venues across the city (one attends: it’s in-person).

A “Virtual Cinema” experience will be accessible globally from Friday, November 5 to Sunday, November 21, 2021.

II. WHAT DOES THIS FEST DO OR PRESENT?

Briefly, it brings together 160-plus films and nearly 500 filmmakers to New Orleans each year. It celebrates works of emerging and established filmmakers from New Orleans, Louisiana, the South and beyond.

Participants get a chance to meet filmmakers in person at “talk back” sessions after screenings. Filmmakers get to meet with each other while industry professionals from LA and NYC attend to look for emerging talent.

SECOND: THE EXHILARATING 2021 GREEK FESTIVAL

This Fest will take place from Friday, November 5 to Saturday, November 6, 2021.

I. WHERE IS IT HELD?

This 48th annual festival will take place in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral located at 1200 Robert E. Lee Boulevard. Time: 11 am to 9 pm

II. WHAT TYPE OF FOOD AND DRINK?

The food selections include: souvlaki, baklava, dolma (stuffed grape leaves), spinach pie and gyro (pita bread pockets stuffed with lamb and pork). And don’t forget the ad hoc pastry shop with its 20 traditional homemade Greek pastries (I’m getting hungry just writing this),

For drinks you’ll find: ouzo – sold by the bottle or by “the shot” at a quaint taverna set up at the festival plus Greek wines that you’ll enjoy sampling.

III. ANYTHING FOR CHILDREN?

There is something for all ages: kids can do face painting while gals can watch cooking demos. Guys can even rent a canoe and go out on Bayou St. John. For the whole family: cathedral tours will take place throughout the weekend. Note: when I was in an art class at Columbia we took a tour of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and it was great – there was a story behind everything we looked at.

IV. IS THERE MUSIC?

Music and dancing are a big part of Greek culture so you’ll enjoy Hellenic dancers in colorful native costumes plus a dance floor is set up so everyone is encouraged to try some steps.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? Do consider us when you are planning to visit. We’re 15 minutes from the French Quarter – from there to 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd it’s only a 17-minute drive via St. Bernard Avenue.

PLEASE CHECK THE WEB if you are looking for any additional information about the events/places described in this blog.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick