New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest (more commonly known as Jazz Fest) that celebrates the culture of Louisiana and New Orleans. Named after the Duke of Orléans in 17th century France by members of the French Bourbon dynasty, New Orleans (La Nouvelle-Orléans in French) stands unique among all American cities: a French Creole architecture and cuisine with a unmistakable character, and in general a strong personality, all a result of a dazzling multi-cultural and multilingual heritage.