New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The city is well known for its distinct French Creole architecture as well as its cross cultural and multilingual heritage. New Orleans is also famous for its cuisine, music (particularly as the birthplace of jazz), and its annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Grass. The city is often referred to as the "most unique" in America. "Laissez les bons temps rouler."