Celebrating St. Joan of Arc’s birthday and Twelfth Night, this annual walking parade is a medieval-themed theatrical procession, inspired by Joan’s time in 1400s France. Joan of Arc liberated the citizens of Orleans, France, from a British siege in her first victory in 1429—resulting in her moniker “The Maid of Orleans.” Our parade honors our own unofficial patron saint, The Maid of New Orleans: the beloved golden French Quarter statue, a gift to the City of New Orleans from France in the 1950s, and our French history and heritage. It’s a short, family-friendly parade — quirky, whimsical and spiritual. Follow us through the French Quarter with one of Joan’s birthday candles, handed out to parade goers in honor of Joan’s 604th birthday.
The parade typically starts on time at 7 sharp and makes 3 pauses for a bit of medieval pageantry:
- toasts from the Historic New Orleans Collection and Grégor Trumel, Consul General of France in New Orleans, from the Williams Research Center balcony at 400 Chartres
- a sword blessing at Saint Louis Cathedral by The Very Reverend Father Philip Landry
- the crowning of the king and king cake ceremony at the end at Washington Artillery Park. Bring your own king cake to eat your first king cake along with the king and Joan.
Parking and Restrooms
-
Suggested best parking: Jax parking lot (map). Take the stress out of parking by paying in advance online at the location’s website, www.premiumparking.com/P401
-
Public restrooms will be open in the Jax Brewery shopping mall before and during the parade.
