Joyeux anniversaire, Jeanne d’Arc

And, Happy Epiphany!

Today is Joan of Arc’s 599th birthday! Thanks to Esther of A Catholic Mom in Hawaii for sending me to Maid of Heaven, which in turn led me to Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc:

I have always wanted to do something related to Joan of Arc here in New Orleans. When I realized her birthday was on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6th (when we celebrate Twelfth Night), it seemed a perfect way to honor her and to kick off Mardi Gras! Joan of Arc represents so much to so many people and she deserves more attention in this town that is a sister city to Orleans, France! I hope the procession grows into a larger event eventually. For now, I’m just pleased to be finding other people in town who want to celebrate her while celebrating Twelfth Night!

For those in New Orleans, the Third annual Joan of Arc parade rolls tonight, January 6 at 6 p.m.  The parade starts at the Bienville statue at Conti and Decatur, and ends at Joan of Arc statue at St. Phillip and Decatur. The main procession is down Chartres, across Jackson Square.

Parade highlights include:

• 599 candles and matchbooks to be handed out to parade goers
• Handmade throws include: 16 decorated wooden swords; surprises from saintsforsinners.com; Saints magnets handmade by Sister Rita of The Poor Clare Monastery; handmade wooden crosses; locally designed prayer cards, and other unique limited handcrafted items.
• A golden costumed Joan, and an armor clad Joan, both on horseback
• Medieval music
• King cakes for after the parade at the Joan of Arc statue donated by Gambino’s Bakery
• Benedictine monks from Madison, Wisconsin will hand out holy water
• Fire artist and stiltwalkers.
• Decatur Street will be closed at St. Phillip to allow for crowds to enjoy the post-parade party at the statue and the Market Café.  BYOKC (BRING YOUR OWN KING CAKE)

Get all the parade details at Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc.