Para leer este artículo en español, clic >> ¡Qué Regrese Bernardo!

A few years ago, a Bernardo de Gálvez statue went missing from Canal Street’s landscape. 

Donated by the Government of Spain, the Bernardo de Gálvez Monument was erected in 1977 to commemorate the bicentennial year of the independence of the United States to which the Spanish Governor so decisively contributed.

When work began to convert the World Trade Center Building (“WTC”) into a hotel and residences, the Four Seasons Group committed to protecting the statue by removing it during the construction phase and refurbishing it in preparation for its return to its historical site, guarding the river.

The Gálvez statue is particularly significant to members of the local Hispanic community and all lovers of New Orleans’ rich history.

Bernardo de Gálvez, a Spanish military leader and colonial administrator, played a pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War. Serving as the Governor of Louisiana, Gálvez secured vital support for the American colonies, contributing significantly to their fight for independence. Gálvez’s strategic brilliance and unwavering commitment earned him the “Hero of the American Revolution” title.

In 1777, Gálvez, at 30, became the fifth governor of the Louisiana Territory during the Spanish governance period.

His career was propelled by his father, a general in Central America, and his uncle, a royal minister under Carlos III. The young governor promptly endeared himself to the local colony by marrying Marie Felicité de Saint-Maxent d’Estrehan, a Creole beauty.

Because of his outstanding contributions to our region, concerned residents want to bring Bernardo back and raise the funds necessary to re-erect and relocate the Gálvez Monument on an enhanced pedestal, which the new restoration design recommends and the monument deserves.

Help us bring the Gálvez monument back and ensure its significance endures for generations to come. Your support will help us honor our past, celebrate our present, and shape our future.

Here are the ways you can help:

- Talk to your friends about the monument’s significance

- Get involved. Contact the DAMAS Y CABALLEROS DE NUEVA ORLEANS via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

- Donate: 

Bank Account Gulf Coast Bank

Routing: 265070435

Account: 101473445

Online: Venmo: @hamaca

Paypal: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

- Fundraising Events: Stay tuned for upcoming exciting fundraising events! 

Check bringbernardoback.org for updates and information.

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Don Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid

- Fifth Governor of Spanish Louisiana (1777-1783).

- Drove the British from the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, keeping vital supply lines open during the American War of Independence. 

- Gave Louisiana its first military glory.

- Allowed to add the “I Alone” (“Yo Solo”) to his Coat of Arms by King Charles III. 

- Positioned New Orleans as the Gateway to the Americas.

- Promoted to Viceroy of New Spain (Mexico and Central America)

- Named one of only eight persons awarded Honorary Citizenship of the United States, joining singular figures such as Winston Churchill and Mother Teresa.

Para leer en español, presiona aquí: Tradiciones del Día de San José

By AnaMaria Bech

Being one of the most important tourist sites in the French Quarter, the French Market holds activities and festivals that reflect the special days in the city and highlight its local traditions, such as Saint Joseph’s Day traditions. On a Saturday close to the religious date, the French Market hosts a celebration where the Italian and Black Masking Indian traditions take center stage.

On Saint Joseph’s Day, the legacy of the Italians, mainly from Sicily in New Orleans, is evident. They moved to the city around 1880 and, to this day, continue the tradition of creating an altar to honor Saint Joseph, whom they attribute to having interceded when Sicily went through a drought that had left its inhabitants without food.

Saint Joseph’s Day is March 19; however, the date may be modified if it falls during Holy Week or another solemn celebration. Traditionally built in the shape of a cross on three levels representing the Holy Trinity, hundreds of altars are displayed in the New Orleans area. An image or a statue of St Joseph holding Baby Jesus is placed at the altar’s center and adorned with flowers. The offerings include cakes, breads, cookies, wine, eggs, fish, produce and foods with particular biblical meanings, including fava beans, which signify luck, as it was the only crop that survived the drought. People who visit the altars can take the food and leave petitions or gratitude messages to Saint Joseph on the altar.

Another tradition linked to St. Joseph’s Day is the celebration of the Black Masking Indians. Historical accounts explain that the atmosphere of celebration prompted the Black Masking Indians to join the occasion to celebrate their own culture and identity, which became a yearly tradition. Over the years, the celebration has become more widespread. Super Sunday was officially established to celebrate Black Masking Indian culture with a parade on the third Sunday of March. Tribes take the streets of the Central City neighborhood to march, sing their songs, dance and meet the other tribes, and display their majestic suits in all their splendor before retiring from public view for the year. 

The French Market ensures that locals and tourists learn about these traditions and provides a space for a St. Joseph altar and live Italian music performances. They also invite tribes of the Black Masked Indians to perform their dances and songs and show their costumes. This year, the celebration of Saint Joseph at the French Market will be on Saturday, March 9, starting at 11 am. It will include information panels, interviews, and cooking demonstrations to teach about these beautiful traditions that are part of New Orleans' unique culture.

Para leer en español, presiona aquí:Mujeres Chéveres - Un Homenaje a la Mujer Colombiana

Through three abstract sculptures and a series of digital illustrations, artist Andrés González prepares for his exhibit Mujeres Cheveres, the final project for his Masters in Fine Arts at LSU.

Mujeres Cheveres is a sincere tribute to the essence of the Colombian woman. The artist found inspiration in influential figures within his family, as he grew up with his grandmother Isabel, his mother Adriana, and his aunt Gissela. “As a feminist man, my journey to conceptualize and execute this project arises from a life immersed in a matriarchal environment,” says Gonzalez.  He noticed an unwavering resilience, a capacity for empathy from the women in his life, and an ability to navigate everyday challenges gracefully in a country plagued by violence.

Within his desire to pay tribute to the pillars of his family, the artist also expresses in his pieces a commitment to gender equality. He always saw in women a unique strength, people who, beyond finding a way to survive, fought to leave a legacy and create a more promising future in a nation with limited opportunities. “I witnessed women’s instrumental role in rebuilding the country, healing war wounds, and guiding the nation toward peace.”

That is why his sculptures, accompanied by a series of digital illustrations, symbolically represent the resilience, dedication and spirit of the women in his family and serve as a tribute to Colombian women. “This project seeks to highlight these valuable contributions, offering a platform for their voices and experiences,” says Gonzalez.

Through his art, Gonzáles also invites reflection on a deeper appreciation of the role of women today and the imminent need to continue the fight to achieve equality in all areas for women worldwide.

Para español clic: Prepararse para un cambio exitoso: Consejos para estudiantes en nuevas escuelas

By Ana García

The 2022-2023 school year ended with the announcement of school closures in Jefferson Parish. A new Infrastructure and Efficiency plan aimed at consolidating several schools in the parish was the reason for the changes in school attendance zones affecting approximately 6,100 students. This article seeks to guide students affected by this drastic change.

Thousands of students in Jefferson Parish have been adversely affected by the school consolidations. With such a radical change, some children and youth may be experiencing various emotions, including anxiety, stress, anger, and perhaps fear. Starting at a new school entails nervousness about building new social connections, managing change-related anxiety, understanding the new academic environment, and the stress of making the most of the available resources to ensure a smooth transition. 

Among the normal feelings students may experience, the displacement of those separated from their previous schools can be extra challenging. They had to leave friendships behind abruptly and already established connections with teachers and staff. For this reason, students must approach the academic year with a positive mindset. Cristina Garcia, a high school teacher from an affected school, says change is never easy. “It is important to think about the positive aspects that can arise from this experience,” she said, adding that entering a new school with a positive mindset is a great opportunity for the academic year to be successful. “It’s a chance to start anew and do better than the previous year.”

To help students cope with the challenges of moving to a new school, establish new social connections, manage change-related anxieties, and understand the new academic environment, Garcia shares some advice:

1. Speak with your guidance counselor on the first day of classes. Building clear communication with them will help reduce any misunderstandings in the future.

2. Join clubs or sports: If you don’t like a club or sport, talk to your principal about creating one.

3. Attend any back-to-school events. It will facilitate meeting teachers and allow you to explore the campus and find your classrooms.

4. Find a hobby you enjoy to reduce stress and anxiety: Journaling, exercising, meditating, spending time with friends, or listening to music. Make sure to reserve time for yourself. This change can be stimulating and overwhelming, so finding something that helps you relax will benefit you in the long run.

5. Establish a routine. It will help provide a sense of control and organization and reduce anxiety.

Unfortunately, thousands of students will be in the same situation. However, young people can seek peer support and embrace new beginnings. The final advice from Ms. Garcia: “Always keep an open mind. This experience may be difficult for some, but it can be beneficial and open doors to various opportunities.”

Por Ana García

VIVA NOLA estuvo presente en el avance de la exhibición “Expresiones de América” en el Museo Nacional de la Segunda Guerra Mundial en Nueva Orleans; sin duda alguna, es una de las exhibiciones más emotivas e inspiradoras que hemos presenciado y que auguramos tendrá mucho éxito.

“Expresiones de América” cuenta a través de reflexiones personales las experiencias de hombres y mujeres que sirvieron y sacrificaron sus vidas durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial, presentando a quienes de diferentes maneras se enfrentaron en el esfuerzo bélico desde una visión muy íntima de lo que implicó ganar la guerra. Las imágenes reflejadas en las fachadas del edificio, son acompañadas de música, sonidos y efectos especiales que hacen que los asistentes sean sumergidos en la experiencia.

El espectáculo es narrado por el actor y defensor de los veteranos Gary Sinise está lleno de luces y sonido desarrollado por Mousetrappe, responsables de proporcionarnos un sentimiento mágico. La música nostálgica y moderna refleja la cultura de Nueva Orleans gracias a la participación de la Banda Preservation Hall Jazz. 

La tecnología detrás de “Expresiones de América” es indudablemente de primera clase. El esfuerzo del equipo creativo da vida a las historias con cerca de 500 imágenes de archivo y videos. Según el Museo de La Segunda Guerra Mundial, “el espectáculo permite que quienes experimentaron la guerra, quienes la vivieron y otros que no, hablen por sí mismos, que nos hablen. A través de sus palabras, recordamos por qué luchaban y los sacrificios que hicieron para conseguir la victoria”. 

Esta experiencia es presentada por la Fundación Bob y Dolores Hope, que fué establecida para proporcionar y asegurar la continuación de los valores humanitarios y filantrópicos de sus fundadores. Bob Hope fue un actor y humanitario que dedicó gran parte de su vida a entretener a alrededor de 11 millones de tropas de las Fuerzas Armadas hasta la Operación Tormenta del Desierto. Gracias a su trayectoria, Hope fue reconocido por el Gobierno de los Estados Unidos como el primer veterano honorario del país. Es por esto que El Museo Nacional de la Segunda Guerra Mundial incluye en esta nueva exhibición sus contribuciones y legado.

Te invitamos a que seas testigo de esta experiencia americana, encuentres conexión con el pasado e inspiración para el futuro, y aprendas mucho más sobre la guerra que cambió al mundo. Expresiones de América estará permanentemente en el Museo Nacional de la Segunda Guerra Mundial a partir del 11 de noviembre, conmemorando el día de los Veteranos de Guerra. Para más información visita expressionsofamerica.org.

International High School of New Orleans

The International High School of New Orleans (IHSNO) was founded in 2009 to educate and nurture a diverse learning community through world languages and intercultural appreciation to allow students to succeed in the global economy.  As a Type 2 Charter School, enrollment is open to all Louisiana residents.

As New Orleans’ only downtown high school, it serves students grades 9 through 12 from Orleans Parish and the surrounding metropolitan area. 

The IHSNO is one of only two schools in New Orleans that offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, with foreign languages including Spanish, Arabic, English, Vietnamese, Mandarin, and French. Learning a second language provides students countless benefits, prepares them to participate in a multilingual environment that values other cultures, and allows them to understand today’s complex, internationally interdependent world.

The school also encourages community involvement. For example, in 2020, the New Orleans Downtown Development District and the IHSNO turned a parking lot into a shared green space that the students and the surrounding community use.

The support of local businesses and donors helps IHSNO raise funds required to provide a holistic education that forms their students into compassionate, productive global citizens who positively impact the world.

The IHSNO welcomes new students each year. For information about the school and the admission process, visit ihsnola.org.

Click aqui para español- >La Cámara de Comercio Hispana de Luisiana

Since its establishment in 1994, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HCC) has been committed to creating and facilitating a business climate within the Hispanic community, bringing economic development and progress to Louisiana. 

With locations in Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and the Greater New Orleans area, this non-profit organization has received numerous recognitions, among them being twice named Chamber of the Year by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. 

For its continued success, the Chamber relies on its President and CEO, Mayra Pineda, a Board of Directors of ten members, seven Executive Board Members, and four staff members. These key players provide support in the planning and implementation of services to the community, including Resume and Cover Letter Assistance, Web-Based Employment Training, Interview Preparation, Job Placement, Legal Clinics, Bilingual Workforce Training and Development Programs, Financial Literacy Training, Networking, Digital Literacy Training, Basic Business Skills, Access to Procurement, Access to Capital, Advocacy Policy, Access to Healthcare Education and Healthy Living Practices.

The directors and staff ensure the fulfillment of the chamber’s mission, and the impact of their work is evident with the increased support received within the past few years that has resulted in higher membership levels and sponsorships. 

The HCC offers a friendly work environment with a team that is intrinsically motivated by their work. They are eager to do well in their roles for their satisfaction and the success of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, its members, and the community.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF LOUISIANA

Click aqui para español- >International School of Louisiana

The International School of Louisiana (ISL) is the sole Louisiana State Certified Spanish Immersion School in the New Orleans metro area. The public charter school educates students in Kindergarten through eighth grade across three campuses located in Dixon (K-2), Uptown (3-8), and Westbank (K-5). ISL is the only school to have received the “Charter School of the Year” title by the Center for Education Reform, the nation’s leading education advocacy organization.

ISL was founded in 2000 by a group of parents eager to improve public education in Louisiana. They envisioned a tuition-free, non-selective charter school that would cultivate diversity, inclusion, and equity with the mission to provide a challenging education emphasizing language immersion, international awareness, the celebration of diversity, and community responsibility. As a non-selective school, ISL enrolls a minimum of 53% of students identified as at-risk. This critical work inspires their staff daily, and their passion has gained the school, its teachers, and its students local and national recognition.

The school’s commitment to diversity is evident in its student and teacher populations. A staff of over 200 comprises members from 31 countries and is fluent in 26 different languages. They work together in a family atmosphere that educates 1,100 students from diverse backgrounds, including 43% African American, 29% White, 25% Latinx/Hispanic, 2% Asian/Pacific, and 1% American Indian.

ISL students learn core academic subjects in a full-immersion experience in French or Spanish from Kindergarten through 8th grade and Mandarin Chinese in Middle School. The second language is learned naturally through everyday conversation and classroom instruction. Over 80% of students enter ISL at Kindergarten from English-speaking homes and leave in 8th grade as bilingual speakers, sometimes trilingual.

The International School of Louisiana continues to grow. They are seeking bilingual team members emphasizing Spanish language fluency for Administrative, Teaching, Teaching Assistance, and other Support Service positions, such as Child-Specific Aide, to help continue educating their thriving student population.

POWER ONE ELECTRIC

Click aqui para español- >POWER ONE ELECTRIC

Seeking new opportunities and ready to tackle the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Jaime Ordoñez, a native of Colombia, arrived in New Orleans to help rebuild the city.

After a few years, he saw the opportunity to fill a need for quality electrical work. He founded Power One Electric in 2008 to serve its residential and commercial electrical clients, obtaining all the permits and certifications required by Louisiana. 

Ordoñez is known for his reliability and meticulous work. He has consolidated a trustworthy team that follows his lead in focusing on the satisfaction of their clients and understanding the need to provide safe, high-quality electrical work.

For almost 15 years, Power One Electric has been a trusted source of power and lighting for new construction and established properties that need installing, updating, and repairing their electrical systems. 

Power One Electric is also the official dealer of Briggs & Stratton Fortress generators, directly resulting from the company’s understanding of the unique weather challenges and power needs in the Gulf of Mexico region of Louisiana. Power-One provides consultation and professional installation of quality generators for your convenience and peace of mind.

Based in Kenner, the electrical contractor has obtained vast experience in project estimation, making Power One Electric an industry leader in commercial work. 

Power One Electric also serves the Greater New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas. Its next growth phase includes expanding its commercial services to neighboring Mississippi and Texas states. 

Power One Electric provides superb results, and that’s why many national retailers prefer the local company for setting up their electrical systems in new construction sites and remodeling established commercial locations, including restaurants and retail stores. 

Trust Power One Electric with your next commercial project.

FRENCH MARKET

FRENCH MARKET CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE

Click aqui para español- >El Mercado Francés (French Market) celebra la herencia hispana

The French Market is one of the most visited tourist spots in the French Quarter and extends from the open market (aka flea market), where artists and vendors offer their crafts and New Orleans souvenirs, to the building that houses the renowned Cafe Du Monde. 

New Orleans’ first food market was an informal open-air facility on the levee. The Spanish formalized the market, erecting the first building on Chartres and Dumaine streets in 1783 and relocating it in 1790 to Decatur Street between St. Ann and Dumaine streets. The oldest standing building in the market is what was then the Meat Market, built in 1813 by Gurlie and Guillot based on the designs of the city surveyor Jacques Tanesse.

Years later, in 1882, the new surveyor designed the Vegetable Market, which was built in two phases, with construction ending in 1830. Later, other buildings known as the “Red Stores” were added between the vegetable market and the levee. A bazaar-style shop was also added in the 1850s and was relocated in 1872.

Commercial agreements, tax collection rules, and health codes have been established through the years to regulate the market. In 1932, the city proposed a new franchise agreement for the operation and physical improvement of the French Market. On August 23, 1923, the Businessmen Association established a managing entity, the French Market Corporation. Years later, the corporation became a non-profit organization that still operates.

Today, the French Market District is home to more than a dozen restaurants offering a variety of local food and international flavors. The French Market Corporation also oversees Crescent Park, The Shops of the Upper Pontalba, and parking lots by the levee. 

The corporation hosts fun events, shows, and festivals for the entire family. In 2022, the corporation held its inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration to honor the market’s history and to celebrate Latino culture with the community. They also collaborated with VIVA NOLA Magazine on a series of videos to highlight their Latino vendors. Other events at the market include the Boo Carré Halloween Haunt, the cooking and live music series Making a Jazz Gumbo, the Saint Nick Christmas celebration, and the famous Creole Tomato Festival held in June.

Tourists and residents can enjoy a day of authentic shopping at the French Market District from 10 am to 5 pm. They can meet artisans who offer ceramics, apparel, jewelry, metal sculptures, leather accessories, wooden handcrafts, handbags, hats, fabrics, paintings, natural beauty products, food, and more. 

For more information about the events and a directory of the stores, visit frenchmarket.org.

LOUISIANA CAT

Click aqui para español- >LOUISIANA CAT

With 20 locations throughout the State of Louisiana, Louisiana Cat is a fourth-generation, family-owned company dedicated to serving the people of Louisiana and providing the highest quality products and services since its establishment in 1933. In 2023, the company will celebrate 90 years of delivering superior value as a leader in the market. 

In a diverse marketplace with demand for nearly every Cat product application, Louisiana Cat continues to focus on the needs of customers in the construction equipment market throughout Louisiana and global engine markets worldwide. In addition, the company provides customers with support in sales, replacement parts, service, and rentals for construction equipment. Louisiana Cat is also active in the engine and generator business for marine, petroleum, and electric power markets. 

Among its many services, Louisiana Cat also offers a complete line of heavy and compact construction and landscaping equipment, such as skid steers, mini excavators, and backhoes.

On the job site, the customer needs every advantage possible to complete the project on time and within budget. Successful contractors trust Cat equipment and the support they receive from Louisiana Cat.