Women dressed as angels, hands clasped in prayer, passed through New Orleans to celebrate the first parade of Carnival season, just blocks from where 14 people were killed five days earlier by a rampaging driver. The annual Joan of Arc parade through New Orleans' historic French Quarter drew hundreds of spectators, showcasing the city's resilience in the face of recent violence.
The parade, organized by the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc, aimed to convey a message of hope and joy amidst the city's mourning. Antoinette de Alteriis, a captain of the Krewe, emphasized that the event was a celebration of life and a symbol of the city's spirited grit.
President Joe Biden paid tribute to the victims of the recent attack at the St. Louis Cathedral before the parade commenced. The attacker, who expressed support for the Islamic State militant group, was fatally shot by police following the rampage.
The Joan of Arc Parade, held annually on the French hero's birthday, marks the beginning of Carnival season in New Orleans. This festive period, leading up to Mardi Gras, is characterized by feasting, drinking, and revelry before the solemnity of Lent.
Life Sacco, portraying Joan of Arc in the parade, highlighted the significance of the event in bringing courage, endurance, and hope to the city. The parade, which narrates Joan of Arc's life story from military bravery to sainthood, serves as a poignant reminder of the values needed in challenging times.
New Orleans is renowned for hosting the largest and most vibrant Carnival celebrations in the United States. The city's festivities include street parties, elaborate balls, and a variety of parades ranging from traditional walking clubs to extravagant processions with elaborate floats and animated figures.
