Joan of Arc Parade: Celebrating New Orleans’ French Heritage

Every year on January 6th, the streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter come alive with the enchanting Joan of Arc Parade. This unique event honors the French heroine Joan of Arc while showcasing the city’s deep-rooted French heritage. Since its inception in 2008, the parade has grown in popularity, attracting thousands who come to witness the medieval pageantry and immerse themselves in New Orleans’ cultural traditions.

TL;DR

• The parade celebrates the life and legacy of Joan of Arc, a French heroine who helped liberate Orleans during the Hundred Years’ War.
• Participants don medieval costumes, and the parade features music, reenactments, and ceremonies honoring Joan’s heroic journey.
• The event highlights New Orleans’ strong ties to French culture and history, drawing large crowds to the French Quarter.

History and Background

Joan of Arc, born in 1412, was a young French peasant girl who believed she was divinely inspired to lead the French army against the English during the Hundred Years’ War. Her bravery and leadership played a crucial role in the French victory at Orleans in 1429, which marked a turning point in the war. Despite her successes, Joan was captured by the English, tried for heresy, and burned at the stake in 1431 at the age of 19. She was later canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1920.

The Joan of Arc Parade in New Orleans was established in 2008 by Amy Kirk Duvoisin, who was inspired by the city’s unofficial patron saint and the gilded statue of Joan on horseback situated in the French Quarter. Duvoisin recognized the significance of Joan’s birthday falling on Twelfth Night, the official start of the Carnival season, and saw an opportunity to create a parade that celebrated both the French heroine and the city’s French cultural heritage.

Parade Details and Route

The Joan of Arc Parade takes place annually on January 6th, which is Joan of Arc’s birthday and also marks the start of the Carnival season in New Orleans. The procession begins at 7:00 PM sharp at the corner of Bienville and N. Front Street in the French Quarter.

The parade route winds through the historic streets of the French Quarter, making several stops along the way for medieval pageantry and ceremonies. From Bienville Street, the procession turns right onto Chartres Street, pausing for a toast to the royalty from the balcony of the Historic New Orleans Collection and a sword blessing at St. Louis Cathedral. The parade then turns right onto Ursulines Street and right again onto Decatur Street, stopping at the Joan of Arc statue for a rendition of “Happy Birthday.” The procession concludes at Washington Artillery Park with a king cake ceremony, typically ending around 8:30 PM.

Participants and Costumes

The Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc, the organization behind the parade, is comprised of around 150 dues-paying members who work tirelessly to bring the medieval celebration to life. Participants dress in elaborate, historically accurate costumes representing various characters from Joan of Arc’s time, including knights, ladies, peasants, and even Joan herself.

The Maid of Honor, portraying Joan of Arc, rides on horseback wearing a white robe and faux armor breastplate. Midway through the parade, she receives her sword after a blessing at St. Louis Cathedral. Other notable characters include Queen Yolande of Aragon and King Charles VII, the “Dauphin” who became King as a result of Joan’s efforts. The Maid of Honor is chosen through a student competition, while the Queen and King are portrayed by community leaders.

Music and Performances

Throughout the parade, spectators are treated to traditional French and medieval music performed by madrigal singers and period-appropriate musicians. Live performances by dancers and reenactors along the route bring the story of Joan of Arc to life, with scenes depicting key moments from her trials and triumphs.

One of the most anticipated moments of the parade is the sword blessing ceremony at St. Louis Cathedral, where the Maid of Honor receives her blessed sword, symbolizing Joan’s divine mission to lead the French army to victory.

Symbolism and Traditions

The Joan of Arc Parade is rich with symbolism and traditions that pay homage to the French heroine and New Orleans’ French roots. Participants carry candles and banners to symbolize Joan’s faith and bravery, illuminating the streets of the French Quarter with a warm, golden glow.

In keeping with New Orleans parade traditions, participants also throw trinkets and medallions to eager spectators along the route. These throws often feature images of Joan of Arc or other medieval-inspired designs.

Throughout the event, the French language and customs are incorporated, from the traditional call-and-response of “Vive la France!” to the king cake ceremony at the parade’s conclusion, which celebrates the start of the Carnival season.

Community Involvement and Impact

The Joan of Arc Parade is a true community effort, with local schools, organizations, and businesses all taking part in the medieval revelry. Students from French immersion schools often participate, showcasing their language skills and cultural knowledge.

The event plays a significant role in promoting French culture and heritage in New Orleans, reminding residents and visitors alike of the city’s deep connections to France. The parade also has a positive impact on tourism and the local economy, drawing thousands of people to the French Quarter each year to witness the unique celebration.

Experiencing the Joan of Arc Parade

For those planning to attend the Joan of Arc Parade, there are several prime viewing spots along the route. The balcony of the Historic New Orleans Collection on Chartres Street offers an excellent vantage point for the toast to the royalty, while the steps of St. Louis Cathedral provide a perfect view of the sword blessing ceremony. Visitors can also line the streets of Decatur for a close-up look at the parade’s finale at Washington Artillery Park.

To make the most of the experience, attendees should plan to arrive early to secure a good spot along the route. Parking in the French Quarter can be challenging, so consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services. Visitors are encouraged to dress in medieval-inspired costumes or don the colors of Joan of Arc (white and gold) to fully immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.

For those interested in joining the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc or volunteering for the event, more information can be found on the parade’s official website, joanofarcparade.org. Membership dues are $150, and participants are required to purchase or create their own costumes and throws.

The Joan of Arc Parade is a one-of-a-kind celebration that seamlessly blends New Orleans’ French heritage with the city’s love for pageantry and revelry. By honoring the life and legacy of Joan of Arc, the parade offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural traditions of the French Quarter while paying tribute to a truly remarkable historical figure.