Not too long after the last bead has fallen from the trees (just kidding, they stay there year round), the streets heat up again with the beat of drums and marching feet. More celebrations and parades await the rested reveler in the city that celebrates.

Irish:

The St. Patrick’s Day parades and parties feature walking groups from various clubs in the city dress in costumes of green give out flowers, beads, and kisses to lucky parade goers along the route. Floats throw beads plus the more infamous cabbages, carrots, onions…and moonpies! (You may even see a potato or two in the air!)

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Parasol’s Block Party 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Irish Channel Parade – 1 p.m.

(passes directly in front of the Grand Victorian)

Italians:

March 19th marks the Catholic celebration of St. Joseph’s Day where New Orleanians construct elaborate altars in honor of this saint. The tradition, commemorating the relief St. Joseph provided during a famine in Sicily, began in the late 1800’s when Sicilian immigrants settled in New Orleans. The American Italian Marching club hosts the annual St. Joseph’s day parade in the French Quarter is a local favorite with marchers dressed in black tuxedos proceeding to parade until dark.

Saturday, March 10

Italian American Marching Club – French Quarter

Indians:

St. Joseph’s Day has also been adopted as an important day for the Mardi Gras Indians, an African-American tradition unique to New Orleans. The Super Sunday Mardi Gras Indian parade on the Sunday nearest St. Joseph’s Day is the one time of year all of the Mardi Gras Indian tribes come together to show off their new suits. Original costumes are created every year and can weigh between 100 and 150 pounds.

(photo by M. Hinton)

Sunday, March 18

Super Sunday Mardi Gras Indians – 1pm

Islenos:

Islenos, or Canary Islanders, were recruited Spanish colonists from the Canary Islands that arrived in St. Bernard Parish between 1778 and 1783. Their annual heritage celebration occurs March 17-18 featuring traditional Spanish food and folk music.

Los Islenos Parade – Chalmette

April 1

You’ll get a front porch view of the St. Patrick’s Day parade from the Grand Victorian Bed and Breakfast, and you’re a streetcar away from the French Quarter and Super Sunday events. Book your weekend now