Mardi Gras helps the economy of New Orleans because visitors come and spend money.

new orleans

If you are speaking of current events, two events come to mind... Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. Both of these events are essential to the New Orleans economy.

between 1816 and 1860, more goods from the interior went to New Orleans; the value of interior produce receipts at New Orleans increased steadily; easier for farmers to get their products to market; exports through New Orleans increased; it encouraged an increase in trade; it became a source of economic growth .

Many people brought cotton, furs and tobacco by river boat to New Orleans.