| |
|
|
| |
Home
>
World
> North America
> United States
> Mississippi
|
Social Profile
Food & Drink: State favourites include farm-raised catfish, fried chicken, barbecues, and fresh seafood. The tiny Delta town of Belzoni claims to be the catfish capital of the world. The highlight of the year is the Catfish Festival which sees the crowning of the Catfish Queen and the catfish-eating contest.
Theatre & Concerts: Jackson is the only city in the United States to host the International Ballet Competition every four years, and its symphony orchestra and opera company offer lively programmes.
Nightlife: Las Vegas-style entertainment casinos abound, especially in Tunica, Greenville, Vicksburg, Natchez, Philadelphia and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Shopping: Antique shops and malls are plentiful. The Canton Flea Market, held in May and October, is ever-popular. In Port Gibson the ‘Pieces and Strings’ market runs from the last weekend in March to the end of April and features African- and European-American quilts and quilting demonstrations.
Sport: Hunting and fishing are popular. For further details, contact the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks (tel: (601) 432 2400; website: www.mdwfp.com).
Special Events: Every spring, over 20 cities and towns host ‘pilgrimages’, the seasonal opening of pre-Civil War and Victorian homes, featuring costumed extravaganzas and candlelit tours. Over 300 festivals take place every year, a great number of which are music-oriented. The following is a selection of annually held events: Jan 3-21 Martin Luther King, Jr Birthday Celebration and Parade, Jackson. Feb 8-9 Krewe of Phoenix Mardi Gras Parade and Ball, Natchez. Apr 6 Annual World Catfish Festival, Belzoni. Apr 13 Civil War Show of Vicksburg. Apr 19-21 Riverfest, Vicksburg; Natchez Bluff Blues Fest. May 4-5 Blessing of the Fleet (start of the shrimping season), Biloxi. May 31 B B King Homecoming Festival, Indianola. Jul Slugburger Festival, Corinth. Aug Water Valley Watermelon Carnival, Water Valley. Sep Delta Blues Festival, Greenville. Oct Mississippi State Fair, Jackson; Hog Wild in Corinth (barbecue contest), Corinth. Nov Annual Angel Show (Members of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi present hand-crafted angels), Jackson. Dec Christmas at the Old Capitol, Jackson.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
Terms and Conditions apply.
|
|
|
|
|
