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.
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| 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...
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| 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.
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...
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| Krewe of Dolly, founded 2020 |
Happy Mardi Gras from your very own (self-described!) Mardi Gras Museum Queen of New Orleans...






