Culture is an important aspect of the society we live in today. With an economy that is so difficult to live in, it is increasingly difficult for individuals to meet their needs. There are many cultures around the world that are different in many ways. One way many cultures meet is through today's cultural events. Cultural events are events related to cultures, such as holidays or festivals. By participating in cultural events, you experience firsthand the diverse offering of culture and artistic expression present in a community. Essence Music Festival and Mardi Gras are two of the festivals that many people participate in around the world. The Essence Music Festival is one of many festivals held in New Orleans each year. This festival, which takes place on the 4th of July, attracts many people from all over the world. “The Essence Fest brings out the best of national and local artists, with strong representation of both the commercial sounds of rap, hip-hop, R&B, gospel, as well as the local flavor of brass bands, jazz and of the blues" ("Essence music festival ," 2013).Essence Fest began in 1995. The music festival was supposed to be a one-off event, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine. Essence magazine primarily targets African American women. Locally called Essence Fest, New Orleans has had this event started in 1995, every year except 2006. In 2006 Hurricane Katrina severely destroyed New Orleans, so the festival was held in Houston, Texas. I haven't personally been to the Essence Festival, but I've read up and will attend one day. Over the years, Essence Fest has been a highlight of New Orleans. With all the festivities going on in New Orleans, the... middle of paper... enjoy all the festivities. Louisiana was the only state that legalized this holiday as a holiday. “As the story goes, elaborate carnival celebrations also draw crowds in other parts of the United States during the Mardi Gras season, including Alabama and Mississippi. Each region has its own events and traditions” (Mardi Gras, 2011). Works cited Music festival of the history of essence. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.diasporatravelers.com/EssenceMusicFestivalHistory.htmlEssence Music Festival. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.experienceneworleans.com/essence-music-festival.htmlMardi gras. (2011). History.com, Retrieved from http://www.history.com/topics/mardi-grasMardi gras. (2007). Retrieved from http://www.infoplease.com/spot/mardigras1.html New Orleans Mardi Gras Guide. (1999). Retrieved from http://neworleanswebsites.com/cat/tr/mg/mg.html