Joan Of Arc Project

6 hours ago

“People want to throw better. They understand the environmental implications of the imported disposable plastic stuff and how it can clog up storm drains … They’re ending up all over the ground and in the trees, and leaching chemicals and microplastics,” Davis said.

Amy Kirk-Duvoisin, the founder of the Joan of Arc Project, banned plastic beads from the Joan of Arc parade since its inception in 2009.

“It’s definitely a performance art parade … Our focus is absolutely on street theatre, not to just give out gobs of things, and we make a point about handing things out, not throwing things,” Kirk-Duvoisin said.

“People going to parades are becoming really, really worn out with the excess of … high quantity, low quality, imported disposable plastic items,” Davis said. “I would say you’re going to see fewer beads, more imported ‘functional items from China’, and then more locally sourced throws.” ... See MoreSee Less

Your Mardi Gras throws may look different this year. Here’s why.

tulanehullabaloo.com

Behind this year’s Mardi Gras preparations, new pressures are forcing krewes to make unexpected choices.

Joan Of Arc Project

1 day ago

Beautifully written with excellent photos-thank you for this thoughtful review, TRAVEL ADDICT!

“Unlike the massive float parades that follow later in the season, the Joan of Arc parade is a walking procession, allowing spectators to feel immersed in the story unfolding before them. In 2008, the krewe began with just 50 members. By 2026, it has grown into a powerful collective of approximately 850 participants, making it one of the most visually striking and meaningful early Carnival traditions.

What sets the Joan of Arc parade apart is its commitment to historical storytelling. The krewe reenacts key moments from Joan’s life through medieval costumes, hand-painted banners, live period-style music, and symbolic props. Marchers carry lanterns and candles that cast a warm glow against the old brick and ironwork of the Quarter, creating an atmosphere that feels both solemn and celebratory. Handmade throws—often in the form of paper fleurs-de-lis, medallions, and scrolls—are passed gently to the crowd, reinforcing the parade’s focus on craftsmanship and meaning over spectacle…

…More than just a parade, the Joan of Arc procession is a reminder of New Orleans’ unique ability to blend history, art, and community into living traditions. It marks the beginning of Carnival not with beads and floats, but with reflection, storytelling, and reverence—proving that in New Orleans, even history knows how to parade.”

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New Orleans’ Joan of Arc Parade Kicks Off Carnival Season

thetraveladdict.com

New Orleans’ Joan of Arc Parade Kicks Off Carnival Season