New Orleans Celebrates Annual “Throw the Baby” Festival

New Orleans Celebrates Annual “Throw the Baby” FestivalNew Orleans Celebrates Annual “Throw the Baby” Festival In the vibrant streets of New Orleans, where tradition and revelry intertwine, the annual “Throw the Baby” festival draws crowds of exhilarated spectators and daring participants alike. This unique and somewhat controversial event, held on the first Sunday of every October, has become a staple of the city’s cultural calendar. The festival’s origins can be traced back to the early 1900s, when French immigrants brought with them a Mardi Gras-inspired custom called “Lancer le bébé.” Over time, the tradition evolved into its current form, with local Catholic priests often blessing the babies before they are thrown. The festival takes place on Burgundy Street in the French Quarter, where a large crowd gathers around a designated area. Parents line up with their babies, who are typically between 6 and 12 months old. At the sound of a whistle, the parents take turns gently tossing their babies over a soft mattress held by a team of experienced catchers. The mattress is made of multiple layers of blankets and pillows, ensuring a safe and cushioned landing for the precious cargo. The catchers are highly skilled and have been trained to hold the babies securely while they soar through the air. As the babies gracefully descend into the waiting arms, the crowd erupts into applause and laughter. Some babies giggle with delight, while others may initially be startled but quickly calm down. The festival fosters a sense of community and a lighthearted spirit, with parents and spectators alike bonding over this shared experience. However, the festival has also faced criticism from animal rights activists and some parents who believe the practice is dangerous and exploitative. Concerns have been raised about the potential for injuries to the infants, both physical and psychological. Despite the controversy, the “Throw the Baby” festival remains a popular tradition in New Orleans. It is seen by many as a symbol of the city’s resilience, humor, and love of all things unusual. And as the sun sets on Burgundy Street, the festival ends with a shared sense of joy and a memory that will last a lifetime.