Festivals ,
Music & More
By Tony Leggio
Springtime in New Orleans is like nature ’ s way of saying , “ laissez les bons temps rouler .” Coming right off the heels of Mardi Gras , we go from beads and floats to bonnets and festivals . This year is especially exciting with the return of some highly anticipated festivals and holiday celebrations .
Even though you may have missed Carnival this year , the parade has not passed you by . In spring , we have some incredible holiday celebrations , from St . Joseph and St . Patrick ’ s Days to Easter , and they all include parades . Get lucky at any of the numerous Irish and Italian parades that happen in the French Quarter , Irish Channel and Downtown neighborhoods , as well as in Chalmette and Metairie , located just a few miles outside of the city . These parades are known for their nontraditional throws such as cabbage , onions , carrots , lucky beans , garter belts , and even Irish Spring soap . In addition to the parades , there are two block parties at Parasol ’ s and Annunciation
4 | The French Quarterly
Square , both in the Irish Channel , on St . Patty ’ s Day . Or stop by one of our famous Irish drinking establishments in the French Quarter like Pat O ’ Brien ’ s , Molly ’ s on the Market , Kerry Irish Pub , Erin Rose , Ryan ’ s Irish Pub , Finnegan ’ s Easy , Molly ’ s Irish Pub and Boondock Saint , just to name a few . For more information and event dates , go to www . stpatricksdayneworleans . com .
Easter weekend is another noteworthy time to visit the city filled with parades , parties , bunny hops ( bar crawls ), Easter egg hunts and bonnet contests . Spend the entire day Easter Sunday in the French Quarter and enjoy three unique parades and a bonnet contest . The lineup of parades starts early with The Historic French Quarter Easter Parade from Antoine ’ s Restaurant to St . Louis Cathedral for Mass . Ladies in their finery and large hats hand out candy and stuffed bunnies riding in mule-drawn carriages . In the early afternoon is the Chris Owens French Quarter Easter Parade . The