I can’t even begin to describe the atmosphere in the City of New Orleans yesterday and today (and probably tomorrow, right on through til Mardi Gras!) Since the Saints win over the Colts yesterday, there’s been a sense of euphoria throughout the city. The general consensus is that this tops even Mardi Gras as far as crowds and celebrating goes.

Four smiling women in black-and-gold New Orleans Saints gear with face paint and beads, posing at a bar during a football game. — Me and the girls from work

I spent the Super Bowl in the French Quarter, which was a wise choice. I work with Blond Colleen (I’m Brunette Colleen obvi) and her boyf and his buddies rented out the entire second story of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville for a huge Super Bowl party. We all threw in and that got us all we can eat, along with an open bar. It was, by far, the way to go. Not too crowded but definitely full and Blond Colleen’s mom and step dad staked out a table front and center of one of the huge flat screen TVs so we all had a great view of the win.

Woman in fleur-de-lis shirt and face sticker raising an arm and holding a plastic cup with a straw at a bar — Mid-Who Dat chant

The game was so fun to watch with everyone. It’s easy to make friends when everyone is a Saint’s fan! It was clear (in our minds) after the pick-six that the Saints had won the Super Bowl and the place erupted in hugs, fist pumps, and in some cases, tears of joy. I don’t think I have ever hugged so many strangers in all my life! People were just hugging anyone near them and jumping up and down!

Three friends smiling and hugging at a crowded bar, two women with face paint and one man holding a beer. — I met these people at the party

When it became clear that the Saints were going to emerge victorious, I took a little video (after I did my fair share of jumping up and down and high-fiving, that is)

Cheering raised fists and hands in a dim bar beneath wooden ceiling beams and a hanging yellow-framed sign — Celebratory fist pumps

Older man hugging a blonde woman tightly in a crowded bar while jubilant people nearby cheer. — Blond Colleen and her step dad celebrate the win

After the hugging wound down, we headed to the balcony to see the celebrations going on below. Margaritaville is actually on Decatur so I wasn’t technically on Bourbon (I was about 3 blocks from it). There were cars parading down the street blasting music, horns honking, good-spirited mayhem and everyone was celebrating.

New Orleans Saints win Super Bowl XLIV

Two smiling women at night, pressed together and holding up index fingers, one wearing a leather jacket and beads. — Brooke and me on the balcony

Balcony view down a busy, dimly lit street at night with cars, headlights, pedestrians, and illuminated storefronts. — It gave new meaning to the song “Dancin’ In the Streets”

We did end up heading to Bourbon and the walk among everyone was worth putting up with the crowds. The scene was something I won’t ever forget…walking past people and they want to high-five you at random. People cheering and screaming at random, pockets of people starting Who Dat chants…it was most definitely an experience! The city was full on Black and Gold…as illustrated in the picture of the statue below:

Golden equestrian statue of Joan of Arc at night on a plinth labeled JOAN OF ARC, with people posing and a flag. — Getting up on the statue was the easy part but I have no idea how they were getting down

Two smiling women embracing on a dark street, one with a heart sticker on her cheek and a man drinking behind them. — Brooke and me heading to the madness that was Bourbon

And now might also be the appropriate time to tell you that on Facebook, there are people who have listed “Drew Breesus” as their religious affiliation. They are hardcore fans.

Three yellow signs leaning on a monument with a Saints helmet, white lilies and beads, urging 'Canonize Drew' for the Saints. — They call him Drew Breesus

Crowded nighttime street party seen from a balcony, dozens of people below and onlookers leaning over a railing. — THIS was Bourbon!

I have to say, the Saints win was truly an amazing moment.

Black & Gold Lombardi Gras