St. Joan of Arc Parade
The unofficial patron saint of New Orleans is celebrated with this annual Twelfth Night parade and pageantry
French Quarter Decatur Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116
Cheryl Gerber
Admirers of the "Maid of Orleans" gather annually on January 6 to honor Joan of Arc with a medieval-themed walking parade and theatrical procession beginning at the corner of Bienville and N. Front Street. It's all in honor of Joan's birthday and her first battle victory, which resulted in the liberation of the citizens of Orleans, France, from a British siege in 1429. January 6 also happens to be Twelfth Night, which makes the Joan of Arc Parade a convenient kick-off event for the traditional start of Carnival season. The parade rolls at 7 pm and makes three pauses for toasts, a sword blessing, and a king cake ceremony at the end. joanofarcparade.org.