...because the season of Mardi Gras is on the way. Above is a picture of the 2009 Maid of Orleans in the new Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc parade.
If you're in the French Quarter Wednesday -- Epiphany -- don't be surprised if you see women dressed in medieval garb on horseback and a throng of followers accompanied by bagpipes and Gregorian chants.
It's not a Renaissance fair come to town; it's Joan of Arc's birthday.
The Maid of Orleans, so named for her figurative leadership in France's tide-turning battle against the English at Orleans during the Hundred Years' War, turns 598 on Jan. 6, and for the second year local St. Joan fans will turn Decatur Street into a moving tableau of her life.
The procession is one of two events that help kick off Carnival season on Twelfth Night. The other is the Phunny Phorty Phellows streetcar party, which rolls on Wednesday on the St. Charles Avenue line (see below).
For fans of Joan, however, events have grown to include the Joan of Arts Fete on Sunday, featuring costume workshops, a free French class, Medieval chamber music, theatrical performances, a silent auction and panel discussions all celebrating St. Joan.
The schedule for the 2010 Fête of the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc can be viewed at their website.
Breathe slowly and deeply.
From the Times-Picayune.
I knew of her birth celebration, but not of the"parade!" What a wonderful tradition!
ReplyDeleteCiss, I'd love to see the celebration. Maybe one day....
ReplyDeleteIn truth, I have mixed emotions about Jeanne d'Arc or any saint who claims that God sends them messages to fight wars. However, Jeanne was a courageous young woman, and she surely should not have been burned at the stake.