In 1972 a bunch of guys decided to throw a hell of a going-away party for a friend who was leaving New Orleans. They chose “Southern Decadence” as their theme and instructed guests to dress as their favorite decadent Southerner. The next year a parade was added, and among those marching were guys dressed as Mary Ann Mobley, Tallulah Bankhead, and Helen Keller—How the latter qualifies as decadent is lost to history.

Decadence drag costume contest. (Photo: A. Sergeev)

In any case a tradition was born. And though the founders of Southern Decadence weren’t necessarily gay, it is now billed as the biggest gay event in the city, and one of the most exuberant, proudly transgressive parties you’ll ever see. It has taken place every year since on Labor Day Weekend (skipping only 2005 for obvious reasons) and comes to town again this weekend.

So transgressive in fact that we probably can’t name every official event in this newsletter (Suffice to say that it you want to compare the relative size of lower portions of your anatomy, proceed to the Bourbon Pub tonight – Thursday, August 29 – at midnight).  That pub (at 801 Bourbon St.) will be party central for the weekend (August 30 – September 2), with DJ’s taking the boards around 9pm and continuing through the night; the party is likely to spill onto Bourbon Street and beyond. Star DJs Sean Michael, Mike Bryant, Max Rodriguez and Derek Monteiro will be spinning through the weekend; check here for the schedule. And for those still in town Monday, there’ll be a “Hung Over & Broke” party at the same venue.

Decadence Festival colors the French Quarter every Labor Day Weekend. (Photo: A. Sergeev)

For more voyeuristic types, the annual Decadence parade is the peak of the weekend and the chance to see some of the lushest costumery this side of Mardi Gras. The parade starts Sunday at 2 p.m, at the Golden Lantern on 1239 Royal Street, and will ultimately wind up at the Bourbon Pub. And yes, that’s only a few blocks away, but side trips are to be expected. Suffice to say the whole Quarter will be transformed just a little.

The parade’s grand marshall traditionally gets to pick the theme, colors, and official song of Decadence. So this year, by decree of queens Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago, the theme is “Live, Laugh and Love”; and the colors to wear are fuschia pink, tangerine orange and gold. And this year’s official song is “Feel This Moment” by Pitbull and Christina Aguiliera. Let the partying begin!