Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Joanie on a Pony Welcomes All to Mardi Gras!

 





Have you ever been to New Orleans? I am discovering new treasures with every visit. Mardi Gras is a season here, not a day! It begins every year on January 6th, which happens to be the birthday of the city's unofficial patron saint, Joan of Arc, also known as Jeanne d'Arc and Joanie on a Pony, after the wonderful statue that was a gift from France to the city.

Joanie on her pony


The Krewe de Jeanne D'Arc starts off the parade season with a walking tour through the streets of the French Quarter, led by a lovely lass as Joan...

Joan of 2026, on birthday 614

The parade features scenes from The Maid of Orleans's life, her accomplishments on behalf of France. Marching bands, both 15th century and modern, dancing gargoyles, a dragon, angels, French peasants and plenty of wrong-minded clerics to boo at! They all pass out lovely home-made gifts to parade goers. 

Joan's Angels





Did you know that St. Joan had to wait 500 years for the church to declare her a saint? By that time the suffragists had adopted her, so, yes, they were represented at the parade...


And it looks like New Orleans has decided not to wait another 500 years to declare our own Saint Dolly Parton!

Krewe of Dolly, founded 2020


Happy Mardi Gras from your very own (self-described!) Mardi Gras Museum Queen of New Orleans...



 


3 comments:

  1. I remember Mardi-Gras in New Orleans fondly. Thanks for sharing this bit of information. Love Joan of Arc. Have a fun time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Vijaya. Laissez les bon temps rouler for you!

      Delete
  2. Sorry I missed this yesterday. Many years ago, I was in New Orleans at Mardi-Gras and captured some strings of beads for my yet to be born daughters.

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