1. What is Congo Square? What occurred in Congo Square?

Congo Square was the place where black slaves could once again be Africans, even if for just one afternoon a week. They would bring drums, bells, and other musical instruments to the square and gather, roughly by tribe, to play music, sing, and dance.

In 1817 Augustin de Macarty, the mayor of New Orleans designated Congo Square as the only acceptable place where slaves were allowed to gather, Congo Square became known for the musical celebrations held on Sundays and attracted visitors from all over the United States.