In recognition of her contribution to New Orleans and beyond as a French scholar and a young leader in music and service, the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc has named Marley Marsalis to portray Joan of Arc, the “Maid of New Orléans” in its 2024 parade. Maid Marley has invited you to be part of her special day, and her messenger awaits your reply.   By special invitation of the Maid, members of the Maid’s Entourage are eligible for an entourage membership in the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc; just click to “reply to your summons” to accept your invitation.  Members of the Maid’s Entourage will need to provide their own costume appropriate for medieval nobility or knights, and will need to either make your own throws or buy throws from Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc. Lineup is at 5:30 p.m. at the corner of Front and Bienville streets.  Arrive in your costume carrying only what you will carry in the parade.

Each year, the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc selects a young woman between the ages of 16 and 19 to portray Joan of Arc.   At the age of 16, Joan of Arc (1412-1431) heard God’s command for her to leave her home and command the French army.  King Charles VII of France was on verge of losing the 100 Years War, and France was on verge of becoming English, with the city of Orléans, France, (New Orleans namesake) under siege. Desperate, King Charles VII agreed to let the teenage peasant lead his army, and under her leadership it was the greatest military comeback in history. The young Joan inspired the tired French troops, who liberated Orléans and blazed a path to Reims where Charles was finally publicly crowned with Joan at his side.  The Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc holds an annual contest to select a young woman leader who speaks or studies French. This contest is modeled after the contest held annually in Orléans, France, when they select a local girl to lead their military parade celebrating Joan’s victorious lifting of the siege of Orléans from the British in 1429. As part of her award, the New Orleans “Maid of Honor” will receive a travel scholarship from the New Orleans Rotary Foundation to travel to our sister city Orléans, France, and the young “Jeanne d’Arc” from Orléans, France, will visit New Orleans.