NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – People from across the globe gathered Thursday afternoon for the Bayou Classic parade, with one family traveling 5,000 miles to attend the Thanksgiving Day festivities.
Stefano Beppi traveled from Tuscany with his sons Leonardo and Emanuale, arriving Thursday morning after his flight.
“We were very curious to visit New Orleans,” Beppi said. “It’s a very famous city, and also the people are very hospitable here, and they were very curious about the parade, so that’s why we are here to attend this magic event.”
Amari and Deanna Baham made a shorter trip from Mandeville. Amari, a Southern University student, attended the Bayou Classic weekend with her mother.
“Since I’m a student, it’s great to see my school really just be able to show what we’re known for,” Baham said.
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Families from Columbus, Georgia and Houston chose to spend Thanksgiving in New Orleans rather than host traditional celebrations. Brushae Stinton’s family from Columbus said they wanted something nontraditional for the holiday.
“We used to frequent the area yearly, but after COVID-19, we weren’t able to come to New Orleans like that anymore, so this is our first time back, and we just wanted to be a part of whatever festivities were available on today,” Stinton said.
Jen and Adam Garling from Houston had similar plans.
“We thought, ‘let’s be spontaneous’ because we don’t have family in Houston, and we’ve never been to New Orleans, so we thought we’d see the town,” Jen Garling said.
Other attendees came from Seattle and Utah to enjoy the weekend in New Orleans. Some sampled local cuisine, including alligator.
“I tried gator, and I was like this is going to be awful,” said Marlee Millett from Utah. “It was really good. I’m like we need that in the West.”
Robert Baker, another visitor from Seattle, said he and his wife had already eaten at many restaurants during their stay.
The Bayou Classic festivities continue through the weekend, with Battle of the Bands on Friday night and kickoff at Caesars Superdome on Saturday at 1 p.m.
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