Krewe de Jean d'Arc Parade 2015

Saint Joan of Arc

In case you didn't know, and most people outside New Orleans don't know this, the Mardi Gras season starts on January 6, which falls on this next Tuesday this year.  

Two parades open the Mardi Gras season.  One of them is the Phunny Phorty Phellows, which began as a Mardi Gras Krewe in 1878.  The Phellows ride the St. Charles Avenue streetcar to announce the beginning of the season.

Seven years ago, the Krewe de Jean d'Arc was formed to parade on Joan of Arc's birthday, which happens to also be January 6.  That's why there are two parades now to usher in the season.  Here's a video of last year's Joan of Arc parade:



We would like to direct your attention to this video to just after 1:09 in its presentation.  The whole thing captures the spirit of the parade, which, if you're in town, you should catch.  

Frau Schmitt and your humble narrator have a special place in their hearts for the Krewe de Jean d'Arc, as well as for Saint Joan herself.  Whenever we pass the Joan of Arc statue at the beginning of the French Market, we stop to admire it.

Side of the Tic Toc Cafe, Metarie, LA

We'll only be half full on January 6th.  Like I say, few people know that Mardi Gras starts then.  That's too bad, but in some ways, it's good.  For the people who are here and they're in the French Quarter, it's an unexpected delight.  Most things in New Orleans are an unexpected delight.

We hope we'll see you there.

À votre santé,
La Belle Esplanade bed and breakfast.