NEW ORLEANS — The St. Joseph's Society will celebrate St. Joseph's day with a parade through the French Quarter.
The parade starts at 6 p.m. at the Canal and Chartres, then winds it's way through the French Quarter on Saturday, March 19. This year's parade features 16 floats, nine marching bands and plenty of marchers in tuxedos!
The parade returns this year after COVID-19 cancelled what would have been the 50th annual St. Joseph's day parade in 2020 and 2021.
Louisiana's St. Joseph's Day traditions date back to the Middle Ages, when a devastating famine led Sicilian farmers to pray to St. Joseph for his intercession. When their prayers were answered and their crops and livestock rebounded, the tradition of giving thanks with a St. Joseph altar began.
Today, St. Joseph's altars are built all over Louisiana by the local Italian community, featuring handmade cookies, breads and cakes that will be shared with the public.
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