Coming Up….

• Joan of Art Gallery Opening THIS Saturday Sept. 5, 5-8 p.m. @ Ariodante Gallery
• Save the date!!!! Salon de Jeanne d’Arc conference Saturday Oct. 3
• Details below, more events on our website calendar

Joan of Art 2026 Juried Exhibition opening night at Ariodante Gallery on Julia Street: Saturday Sept. 5, 5 p.m.

Krewe members are encouraged to come in krewe colors blue and gold (or costume) to the opening reception for our 2026 Joan of Art juried exhibition at Ariodante Gallery in the New Orleans Arts District! (535 Julia Street, map)  The opening reception starts at 5, and everyone can vote in the Choix des Personnes award until 6:45. Judges will view the artwork in person and choose winners.  Both the judges’ awards and the Choix des Personnes (people’s choice) award will be presented at 7 p.m., and people will hang out until 8. The exhibit will continue at the gallery through Sept. 30. Details

This event is part of the First Saturday Art Walk among the Julia Street galleries, so come on out and make a night of it!

Save the date for an outstanding Salon full day conference Oct. 3!

Salon de Jeanne d’Arc free full-day conference Saturday Oct. 3 at the East Bank Library with puppetry, medieval cooking demonstration, keynote talk by military historian Michael Livingston from the Citadel, a fencing demonstration, throw sales and more. Spread the word!  Invite friends! 

See the whole schedule

• 9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Welcome/Meet & Mingle/Coffee  & Croissants
• 10:00 a.m.to 10:45 a.m.  Puppetry and Pageantry: Pandora Gastalum and Jack Norcross will talk about puppetry in the Middle Ages and demonstrate some of their puppet craft and performance
• 11:00- 12 noon Patron Saints and Popes: Panel from the Archdiocese of New Orleans including Mrs. Betty-Ann Medieros Hickey, Assistant Director of the Office of Worship and Father David Ducote, Director of Vocations and Krewe Member; and an Archivist will discuss the request and process for designating St. Joan an official patron saint of New Orleans and Pope Leo’s New Orleans roots
• 12 P.M. TO 12:45  P.M. LUNCH & UPDATES: Pack your own or order a box lunch we will make available
• 12:45-1:45: What’s for Dinner, Joan? Medieval French Food and Wine, Liz Williams, Author and Founder of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, and Marc Witham, Certified Bordeaux Educator and Krewe member, will talk about Medieval food and wine and do a cooking demonstration.
• 2-3:30: Keynote: Michael Livingston, military historian, the Citadel Military College: Joan of Arc and the 200 Years War
• 3:45-4:30 Système d’Armes historical fencing club demonstration

– Co-Captain Amanda Helm,
Membership Director, Business Manager, Internal Communications

Wednesday, Sept. 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Members of the Flaming Heretics battalion are invited to gather at Max Bernardi’s art studio (1525 St. Ferdinand, map) for a workshop to hand-dye costumes.  Wear your messy clothes and bring your costume if you have one ready to dye. If your costume isn’t ready to dye — no problem, you can still come to help others, learn the technique, get to know people, ask questions and get ideas!  Contact your battalion leader Max 504-258-5822 to let her know you’re coming and get more details — she will need to let you into the building, which is home to many different art studios

This workshop is not for the whole krewe; it’s for full members in the Flaming Heretics battalion only. Full members thinking about becoming Flaming Heretics or even just heretic-curious are also welcome! 

Coming Up….

• THIS SATURDAY Aug. 28: Throws workshop 1-4 p.m. @ Captain Amanda’s
• Tuesday: Sept. 1: Krewe social 6 p.m. at Oak and Ale
• Joan of Art Gallery Opening Saturday Sept. 5, 5-8 p.m. @ Ariodante Gallery
• Throws workshops: Sept. 12, 20 and 29th
• Save the date!!!! Salon de Jeanne d’Arc conference Saturday Oct. 3
• Details below, more events on our website calendar

Krewe Throws Workshops

Come craft with us at the home of krewe captain Amanda Helm at 7330 Sycamore St.  We’re trying to get a bunch of throws ready to sell in person at the upcoming Salon conference. All skill levels are welcome and all supplies will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own tools if you prefer. These are a great way to connect with other krewe members, get your questions answered, show off your own krewe projects, and bounce ideas. FYI for those with allergies, Lady Jane the cat does live here. Workshops:

• Saturday August 29, 1-4 p.m.
• Saturday Sept. 12, 1-4 p.m.
• Sunday Sept. 20, 2-6 p.m.
• Tuesday Sept. 29, 6-9 p.m.
  One of the throws we’ll be working on for 2027: knights made out of a recycled champagne cork, cocktail sword, and bottle cap shield.

Krewe Social at Oak and Ale Tuesday Sept. 1

Gather for our monthly krewe social on the first Tuesdays of the month, 6-8 p.m. Oak & Ale (8118 Oak St., map) features a wine bar on one side, a beer bar on the other, and a patio in between. We usually grab the tables in the left front corner of the wine bar side.  Order on your own tab at either (or both!) bars (same food menu on both sides, and one tab works at both bars). Prospective members welcome. Meet other krewe members, ask questions, bounce ideas, show off what you’re working on, or just hang out. https://oakandalenola.com/

Save the date for two favorite events!

• Joan of Art 2026 Juried Exhibition opening night at Ariodante Gallery on Julia Street: Saturday Sept. 5, 5 p.m.
  • Krewe members are encouraged to come in krewe colors blue and gold (or costume) to the opening reception for our 2026 Joan of Art juried exhibition at Ariodante Gallery in the New Orleans Arts District!  This year, the judges will view the art in person and select the winners during the opening reception starting at 5, and everyone can vote in the Choix des Personnes award. Awards will be presented at 7 p.m., and people will hang out until 8. The exhibit will continue at the gallery through Sept. 30.  Details
• Salon de Jeanne d’Arc free full-day conference Saturday Oct. 3 at the East Bank Library
  with puppetry, medieval cooking demonstration, keynote talk by military historian Michael Livingston from the Citadel, a fencing demonstration, throw sales and more. See the whole schedule

– Co-Captain Amanda Helm,
Membership Director, Business Manager, Internal Communications

Coming Up….

• Movie night The Messenger TONIGHT Monday Aug.24 @ Canal Place
• Spiritus Mundi medieval concert Wednesday Aug. 26 @ Cafe Istanbul
• Joan of Art Gallery Opening Saturday Sept. 5, 5-8 p.m. @ Ariodante Gallery
• Save the date!!!! Salon de Jeanne d’Arc conference Saturday Oct. 3 (puppetry, medieval cooking demonstration, guest military historian, fencing demonstration and more!)
• Details below, more events on our website calendar

Movie Night The Messenger  TONIGHT Monday Aug. 24, 6 p.m, at Canal Place Theater

Join us for a movie night with Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc!  Get your ticket here! Ticket sales benefit The Joan of Arc Project.  Prytania Theatre is generously donating the venue for this fundraiser/membership recruitment event. Doors open at 5:30 to meet and greet Krewe members and learn more about us (we will have a membership and volunteer sign up table and other krewe information available)!  Showtime is 6:00 p.m. and the running time is 2 hours and 28 mins. Come and enjoy this big-budget epic film of Joan’s life on the big screen. Stay afterwards for a brief 15-20 minute “trivia contest” reviewing the movie’s historical inaccuracies, and share your thoughts on this “modern” take on Joan. Krewe-sponsored, and a fundraiser for the krewe, but open to the public, so invite your friends!

The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999), directed by Luc Besson, is an American historical epic starring Milla Jovovich as the iconic 15th-century peasant girl. It follows her journey from witnessing English atrocities in her youth to receiving divine visions, leading the French army, and ultimately facing a tragic heresy trial. NOTE: This film is Rated R for strong graphic battles, rape, and some language. Contains severe violence, war gore, and highly intense/frightening scenes.

Spiritus Mundi Medieval Music Concert Wednesday at Cafe Istanbul

Spiritus Mundi Crescentis features many of the musicians who perform in our parade as St. Michael’s Angel Army Choir, playing Wednesday August 26 8-9 p.m. at Cafe Istanbul in the New Orleans Healing Center (2372 St. Claude, map). This will be their first full concert together as Spiritus Mundi, performing written works from pre-Renaissance Europe. Suggested donation $10. Many of the songs are music the medieval populace would have sung and danced to, and costumes and dancing are welcome — but no pressure to do either!!

Save the date for two favorite events!

• Joan of Art 2026 Juried Exhibition opening night at Ariodante Gallery on Julia Street: Saturday Sept. 5, 5 p.m.
  • Opening reception for our 2026 Joan of Art juried exhibition at Ariodante Gallery in the New Orleans Arts District!  This year, the judges will view the art in person and select the winners during the opening reception starting at 5, and everyone can vote in the Choix des Personnes award. Awards will be presented at 7 p.m., and people will hang out until 8. The exhibit will continue at the gallery through Sept. 30.  Details
• Salon de Jeanne d’Arc free full-day conference with puppetry, medieval cooking demonstration, keynote talk by military historian Michael Livingston from the Citadel, and a fencing demonstration. The full schedule is up, with a great line-up this year!

Upcoming battalion meetings

These meetings are not for the whole krewe — just for people who are part of these groups, but anyone who is thinking about joining these groups is welcome (even if you’re not ready to commit yet). These would be great opportunities to meet other members of the battalion or sub-group or ask questions.

• Knights Battalion Planning Meeting on Zoom: This Saturday Aug. 22, 2-3:30 p.m.  Zoom link   Knights Battalion overview 
  Zoom link for the meeting
• Suffragists Meeting and Throws Workshop: This Sunday Aug. 23, 1-3 p.m. at the home of Legacy Battalion lieutenant Carol Lynch, (2317 Metairie Court, Metairie, map)  Legacy Battalion overview

New Battalion Options

• Road to Reims is a brand-new battalion! This group could include knights or other warriors, or characters associated with cathedrals. Details below
• Joan as Muse: This will be a new sub-group within the Legacy Battalion. Legacy Battalion leader Carol Lynch is looking for a group of about 12 people, with each person portraying a specific book, movie, play, opera, song, etc., about Joan of Arc. Details below

Joan as Muse

• The dress / tabards pictured above can be affordably ordered pre-made with your custom image representing your artwork — no sewing required! Carol has already ordered and received a sample.
• Contact Carol Lynch if interested, clynch@cdly.org, 504-343-5327

Road to Reims — New Battalion

New Battalion in 2027!  After her first victory at Orléans, Joan turned the tide of the Hundred Years War in one of the greatest military comebacks in history. She knew that Charles VII had to be officially crowned and anointed with the holy oil of the French kings at Reims, but Reims was occupied by the English. So Joan pushed Charles to take back 12 more cities, finally taking Reims itself, where Charles VII could be crowned with Joan at his side. This battalion will include: the French delegation including the official “Joan” from Orléans carrying the French banner, full members costumed as butterflies following Joan’s banner, the Rotarian “knights” who fund the French Joan exchange program, and the flag corps representing the cities Joan liberated after Orléans.

• Full member costumes: This battalion is open to full member character ideas that fit the theme, such as the Bishop of Reims, characters associated with medieval cathedrals, or knights or other soldier types representing the battles.
  • We’d love to have a Bishop of Reims character.  He was appointed but unable to take possession of the cathedral because he was exiled along with Charles VII and the rest of the court while the city was occupied. Joan took back the city for the French on July 16, 1429, the bishop was installed that very day, and he in turned crowned Charles VII the very next day.
  • Characters associated with cathedrals and the lucrative business of medieval pilgrimage sites are welcome, such as characters giving indulgences or people needing healing from the king’s evil.
  • The butterflies group costume may be an option for those who are committed to a significant investment in funds and workshop time to build your own wing costume with Gretchen’s guidance.   
• Music: The flag corps will be playing victorious medieval and medieval-style recorded music supported by live drummers.
• Props: Two new props are planned to build this summer, a battle map with moving led lights showing the progress of Joan’s army across it and a rolling Reims Cathedral in the style of other cathedrals in the parade
• Leader: Gretchen Zalkind, 504-439-4530, g.zalkind@gmail.com

The image to be used as the new Reims cathedral prop, which will roll down the street in the same style as our Notre Dame de Paris and Orléans cathedral props.

A new Krewe throw, the Holy Ampulla of France with jeweled postcard reliquary and a real glass bottle with real anointing oil, modeled after the divinely refilled oil bottle used to anoint the first French king Clovis at Reims and most of the subsequent kings including our Charles VII.

Let Captain Amanda know your battalion plans

• Whether you’re a new member choosing your first battalion or a returning member who wants to change things up, let Amanda know your battalion choice! 

Battalion FAQs

• All Battalion Options Overview webpage
• You can change your mind any time — just make sure your costume fits the concept for the section you’re walking in. 
• Most people stay in the same battalion from year-to-year, but others like to switch things up with a new costume, character or section from time to time.
• Your membership confirmation email will include the contact information for each battalion leader, so you can work with them on choosing a costume that complements the others in your section, and so you can be included in battalion idea discussions, workshops, etc. 
• It’s OK to take some time to talk to the different leaders or get to know people in different sections before you decide. 
• Be sure to talk to your battalion leader before you invest too much in your costume concept — especially to make sure you’re not duplicating a character someone is already playing! Your battalion leader may have some inspiring suggestions to get your creative juices flowing.
• There are battalions in the parade that are not listed here, because some of the battalions are reserved for specific groups. But, if you have a creative idea for one of the other sections, feel free to suggest it! Here’s the complete detailed line-up.

Coming Up….

• • TODAY: Partner BK House Birthday Bash Tuesday Aug. 11 6-8 p.m.
  • Throws workshop Tuesday Aug. 18, 6-9 p.m. @ Captain Amanda’s
  • Movie night The Messenger Monday Aug. 24 @ Canal Place
  • Throws workshop Saturday Aug. 29, 6-9 p.m. @ Captain Amanda’s
  • Joan of Art Gallery Opening Saturday Sept. 5, 5-8 p.m. @ Ariodante Gallery
  • Save the date!!!! Salon de Jeanne d’Arc conference Saturday Oct. 3
  • Details below, more events on our website calendar

Today!  BK House Birthday Bash including a cake in honor of Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc

Our partner the BK House is having a free birthday bash party!  Free with a buffet of cakes, including one honoring Joan of Arc, donated by our krewe member Frannie Conner! Tuesday Aug. 11, 6-8p.m.,at 1113 Chartres (map)

Krewe Throws Workshops

Come craft with us at the home of krewe captain Amanda Helm at 7330 Sycamore St.  We’re trying to get a bunch of throws ready to sell in person at the Salon Oct. 4All skill levels are welcome and all supplies will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own tools if you prefer. These are a great way to connect with other krewe members, get your questions answered, show off your own krewe projects, and bounce ideas. FYI for those with allergies, Lady Jane the cat does live here. Workshops:

• Tuesday August 18, 6-9 p.m.
• Saturday August 29, 1-4 p.m.
• Saturday Sept. 12, 1-4 p.m.
• Sunday Sept. 20, 2-6 p.m.
• Tuesday Sept. 29, 6-9 p.m.

One of the throws we’ll be working, the Holy Ampulla of France with jeweled postcard reliquary and a real glass bottle with real anointing oil, modeled after the divinely refilled oil bottle used to anoint the first French king Clovis at Reims and most of the subsequent kings including our Charles VII.

Movie Night The Messenger  Monday Aug. 24, 6 p.m, at Canal Place Theater

Join us for a movie night with Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc!  Get your ticket here! Ticket sales benefit The Joan of Arc Project.  Prytania Theatre is generously donating the venue for this fundraiser/membership recruitment event. Doors open at 5:30 to meet and greet Krewe members and learn more about us (we will have a membership and volunteer sign up table and other krewe information available)!  Showtime is 6:00 p.m. and the running time is 2 hours and 28 mins. Come and enjoy this big-budget epic film on the big screen. Stay afterwards for a brief 15-20 minute “trivia contest” reviewing the movie’s historical inaccuracies, and share your thoughts on this “modern” take on Joan. Krewe-sponsored, and a fundraiser for the krewe, but open to the public, so invite your friends!

The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999), directed by Luc Besson, is an American historical epic starring Milla Jovovich as the iconic 15th-century peasant girl. It follows her journey from witnessing English atrocities in her youth to receiving divine visions, leading the French army, and ultimately facing a tragic heresy trial. NOTE: This film is Rated R for strong graphic battles, rape, and some language. Contains severe violence, war gore, and highly intense/frightening scenes.

Save the date for two favorite events!

• Joan of Art 2026 Juried Exhibition opening night at Ariodante Gallery on Julia Street: Saturday Sept. 5, 5 p.m.
  • Krewe members are encouraged to come in krewe colors blue and gold (or costume) to the opening reception for our 2026 Joan of Art juried exhibition at Ariodante Gallery in the New Orleans Arts District!  This year, the judges will view the art in person and select the winners during the opening reception starting at 5, and everyone can vote in the Choix des Personnes award. Awards will be presented at 7 p.m., and people will hang out until 8. The exhibit will continue at the gallery through Sept. 30.  Details
• Salon de Jeanne d’Arc free full-day conference with puppetry, medieval cooking demonstration, keynote talk by military historian Michael Livingston from the Citadel, and a fencing demonstration.

– Co-Captain Amanda Helm,
Membership Director, Business Manager, Internal Communications

Coming Up….

• Book Club: Blood Red, Sister Rose 10 a.m. Saturday Aug. 1 @ The Columns
• Krewe social 6 p.m. Tuesday Aug. 4 @ Oak and Ale
• Movie night The Messenger Monday Aug. 24 @ Canal Place
• Save the date!!!! Salon de Jeanne d’Arc annual conference Saturday Oct. 3
• Details below, more events on our website calendar

Book Club “Blood Red Sister Rose” Aug. 1

We’ll gather at The Columns (3811 St. Charles, map) from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday August 1 to discuss our next book club selection. This historical fiction Joan of Arc novel by Thomas Keneally (author of Schindler’s List) will be the basis for an upcoming new Joan of Arc film by Baz Luhrman. RSVP not required, but helpful. All are welcome — no need to be a krewe member to participate. Each book discussion is independent, and you’ll probably enjoy the lively discussion even if you haven’t read the book!

Krewe Social at Oak and Ale Tuesday Aug. 4

Gather for our monthly krewe social on the first Tuesdays of the month, 6-8 p.m. Oak & Ale (8118 Oak St., map) features a wine bar on one side, a beer bar on the other, and a patio in between. We usually grab the tables in the left front corner of the wine bar side.  Order on your own tab at either (or both!) bars (same food menu on both sides, and one tab works at both bars). Prospective members welcome. Meet other krewe members, ask questions, bounce ideas, show off what you’re working on, or just hang out. https://oakandalenola.com/

Movie Night The Messenger  Monday Aug. 24, 6 p.m, at Canal Place Theater

Join us for a movie night with Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc!  Ticket sales benefit The Joan of Arc Project.  Prytania Theatre is generously donating the venue for this fundraiser/membership recruitment event. Doors open at 5:30 to meet and greet Krewe members and learn more about us (we will have a membership and volunteer sign up table and other krewe information available)!  Showtime is 6:00 p.m. and the running time is 2 hours and 28 mins. Come and enjoy this big-budget epic film on the big screen. Stay afterwards for a brief 15-20 minute “trivia contest” reviewing the movie’s historical inaccuracies, and share your thoughts on this “modern” take on Joan. Krewe-sponsored, and a fundraiser for the krewe, but open to the public, so invite your friends!

The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999), directed by Luc Besson, is an American historical epic starring Milla Jovovich as the iconic 15th-century peasant girl. It follows her journey from witnessing English atrocities in her youth to receiving divine visions, leading the French army, and ultimately facing a tragic heresy trial. NOTE: This film is Rated R for strong graphic battles, rape, and some language. Contains severe violence, war gore, and highly intense/frightening scenes.

Save the date for two favorite events!

• Joan of Art 2026 Juried Exhibition opening night at Ariodante Gallery on Julia Street: Saturday Sept. 5, 5 p.m.
• Salon de Jeanne d’Arc free full-day conference with puppetry, medieval cooking demonstration, keynote talk by military historian Michael Livingston from the Citadel, and a fencing demonstration.

– Co-Captain Amanda Helm,
Membership Director, Business Manager, Internal Communications

Coming Up….

• Krewe-hosted Medieval Game Day THIS Saturday, July 18, 10:00-1:30 @ Wagner Library
• Joanie Off the Pony theatrical performance THIS Sunday, July 19, 2-4 p.m. @ the Jazz Museum
• Krewe Crafting: Sunday, July 26, 1-3 p.m. at the home of Carol Lynch
• July 31st: Submission deadline for Joan of Art juried exhibition at Ariodante Gallery on Julia Street
• Book Club: Blood Red, Sister Rose 10 a.m. Saturday Aug. 1 @ The Columns
• Details below, more events on our website calendar

Medieval Game Day Saturday, July 18

Free and open to the public, open to kids, families, kids at heart, and people who love games. Medieval costumes OPTIONAL. We will have a variety of games for all levels and small and large groups, from modern board games about the One Hundred Years War to card and dice games that were played in medieval days. The public event runs 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Jefferson Parish Wagner Library. Krewe members helping with set-up should arrive at 9 a.m. Feel free to bring your own games! Questions? Want to help? Contact founder_amy@joanofarcparade.org. 

Joanie Off the Pony Performance Sunday July 19

Written by Joan of Arc Parade founder Amy Kirk Duvoisin, Joanie Off the Pony evolved from a full-length play, The Mermaid of New Orleans, first presented at the Joan of Arc Project’s annual Salon de Jeanne d’Arc in 2017. This new iteration embraces a multidisciplinary approach, blending theater, live music, improvisational movement, and collaborative performance, 2-4 p.m. Sunday July 19th at the Jazz Museum.

Presented in partnership with ArtSpan NOLA and local dancer—and Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc member—Jennifer Ramos, the project also features Atlanta-based musicians Iriamu (Will Hamilton) and W8ng4ufo’s. The musicians previously performed in New Orleans at the Marigny Opera House in 2025, accompanying Carl Dreyer’s landmark film The Passion of Joan of Arc. Details

Krewe crafting: Sunday July 26, 1-3 p.m.

Learn to make people out of playing cards for throws for the 2027 parade at the home of krewe board member Carol Lynch (2317 Metairie Court, Metairie, map). You’ll learn the history of playing cards and a multitude of ways to cut up playing cards to put together into little people. BRING liquid glue, scissors, and 2 decks of playing cards with backs of different colors. I’ll provide extra Krewe ephemera. Questions? email clynch@cdly.org

Book Club “Blood Red Sister Rose” Aug. 1

We’ll gather at The Columns (3811 St. Charles, map) from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday August 1 to discuss our next book club selection. This historical fiction Joan of Arc novel by Thomas Keneally (author of Schindler’s List) will be the basis for an upcoming new Joan of Arc film by Baz Luhrman. RSVP not required, but helpful. All are welcome — no need to be a krewe member to participate. Each book discussion is independent, and you’ll probably enjoy the lively discussion even if you haven’t read the book!

– Co-Captain Amanda Helm,
Membership Director, Business Manager, Internal Communications

As discussed at the membership meeting

For many years, the concept for the Orléans Battalion has been to represent the grateful residents of the city of Orléans, France, at the moment of Joan of Arc’s first victory, lifting the six-month English siege.  Joan and her army sidestepped English forces to enter the city on April 29, 1429, with food and supplies, inspiring the citizens of Orléans as well as the relief troops. The English finally withdrew on May 8, 1429.  Orléans has celebrated this May 8 victory annually ever since, and those festivities are a major inspiration for our own parade. Centuries later, May 8, 1945, became Victory in Europe day, celebrating the defeat of the Nazi forces that had occupied France. Orléans’ May 8 celebration today is a celebration of both victories and also honors the Americans and other Allies who helped Europe defeat the Nazis. 

While this joyous moment of victory has long been our concept for the Orléans battalion, only krewe members’ own throws have conveyed this concept to the crowd. This year we are planning several changes to enhance our storytelling, and we call on YOUR creativity to support these concepts with your own costume and throw plans.

• Battalion concept: Victory Feast: The Orléans battalion will now represent the grateful residents of Orléans specifically at the moment of the victory FEAST. 
• The history: Orléans really had an actual victory feast on May 8 to honor their rescuers, Joan and her army. The starving people of Orléans generously added their last provisions to the siege rescue food that Joan’s army brought into the city. Our queen character, Charles VII’s political mastermind mother-in-law, Yolande, duchess of Anjou, was particularly instrumental in organizing the siege rescue food provisions.
• Previous costumes: Your existing medieval costumes, characters, and throws are all still welcome, as the battalion still represents the people of the city of Orléans celebrating the victory.
• Added theme: Medieval Feast: The medieval feast is a joyous concept that will be recognized by the crowd. Costumes, characters and throws related to medieval food and feasting are welcome, such as medieval dancers, jesters, jugglers or other performers, medieval tableware, tankards and goblets, etc.
• Added theme: French food: In Joan’s day, France was already known for its wine, cheese and bread.  
• Relevent krewe-sold throws: Supporting these themes, Captain Amanda plans to offer cheese knives (metal with krewe logo on wood handle), metal ale cups, wood “trencher” medieval plates, and resin wine charm sets featuring wine, baguette, cheese, and croissant charms. 
• New signature throw: full-sized, real fresh French baguettes. We’re pretty sure the crowd will scream for these!  Wrap individually in some kind of clear bag so recipients will know it’s sanitary. I know they are a little pricey and bulky, but a few will be high impact. You can dance with one for half a block and then give it out. We leave this suggestion in YOUR hands. If someone in Orléans wants to take charge of working with a bakery to place a group order, that would be super, but individual members can also make their own arrangements. Yes, small mini-baguettes are also welcome, but the traditional oversized baguettes are iconic symbols of France and will have a tremendous visual impact.
• Suggestion: “Siege rescue food sponsored by Yolande”: Whether or not your throws are food-related, consider adding signage saying “Siege rescue food sponsored by Yolande” to your wagons and boxes. (idea pictures below)
• New Prop(s): Feast Tables: We’re planning on at least one, maybe two, tall feast table props. These will roll parallel to the street down the middle of the street, with the table a little taller and narrower than a traditional banquet table but with very high candelabras, tiered serving trays and Orléans Victory Feast banners. The idea is that the feast tables will form a backdrop for YOU, the full members of Orléans, handing out your throws at the sides of the street. (sketch above).
• Medieval music: Inside the feast table will be a speaker with a playlist mix of authentic medieval dance music and “bardcore” medieval covers of popular songs that capture the joy of victory and the relief of surviving to another day (such as “We are the champions”).
• French Joan: Immediately following the Orléans battalion will be our delegation from the real city of Orléans, France, starring the young woman selected to portray Joan of Arc for their May 8 victory celebration. The Orléans young Joan contest, running since 1945, was the inspiration for our own young Joan contest. The red and green costume the French Joan wears for our parade is a replica of the historical records of the gown gifted by the city of Orléans to Joan to wear for the victory feast in her honor. She will be accompanied by an honor guard of Rotarians, since the New Orleans Rotary Foundation funds and coordinates the annual exchange of Joans. Our young Joan contest winner travels to Orléans, France, in the summer.
• Other line-up changes: Now, the Knights battalion ahead of Orléans will represent specifically the battle of the siege of Orléans, and following the French Joan will be a new battalion, “Road to Reims,” representing the victorious battles that happened AFTER Joan’s first victory at Orléans. recapturing the Loire Valley and the towns on the way to Reims, so that Charles VII could be crowned in Reims in the tradition of French kings. These changes will move Orléans just ahead of the middle of the parade.
• Ideas? Questions?  Your Orléans Battalion lieutenant is
  

  Chris Caravella, 504-390-3571, chris.caravella@cox.net

Easy “medieval costume” for a farm wagon — hanging large poster prints of medieval wheels from the sides

Coming Up….

• Volunteers needed for krewe table at the June 20th Mini-Renaissance Fest at Urban South Brewery (sign up here)
• Strong helpers needed to move our krewe storage unit June 28 and/or prep for the move June 25-27.
• Krewe monthly social 6-8 p.m. Tuesday July 7 @ Oak and Ale
• Krewe-hosted Medieval Game Day July 18, 9:30-1:30 @ Wagner Library
• Joanie Off the Pony theatrical performance Sunday July 19 2-4 p.m. @ the Jazz Museum
• July 31st: Submission deadline for Joan of Art juried exhibition at Ariodante Gallery on Julia Street
• Book Club: Blood Red, Sister Rose 10 a.m. Saturday Aug. 1 @ The Columns
• Details below, more events on our website calendar

Volunteers needed for the Krewe info table at the Urban South Mini Ren Fest

We know many krewe members are planning to attend the mini Renaissance Festival (costume encouraged). It would be great if we could have some people sign up to take a shift staffing the krewe information table at the mini-Renaissance Festival (in costume please). Sign up here to take a shift at the table.   

Help needed to move krewe storage unit

We’ve found a new storage unit where we can get more and better space for our money!!!  We need some strong people to help us move!! We’ll be moving from Public Storage at 3900 Tchoupitoulas to Many Mini at 1225 27th Street in Kenner. 

• The big move with the truck is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. until done on Sunday June 28. We’ll load at the Tchoup location, unload at the Kenner location, and possibly make more trips, and dissassemble and reassemble shelving.
• We could also use a few people for some work days at the old storage unit getting ready for the move: to purge, organize and take small carloads to the new place 8:30 a.m. to 11ish on:
  • Thursday June 25
  • Friday June 26
  • Saturday June 27

RSVP and call Captain Amanda’s cell (504-940-4976) to check in if you are arriving later in the workday, as we may be moving between the two storage units. If you have a truck or van and/or moving supplies such as tie-downs and furniture pads, that would be helpful too! 

Krewe Social at Oak and Ale Tuesday July 7

Gather for our monthly krewe social on the first Tuesdays of the month, 6-8 p.m. Oak & Ale (8118 Oak St., map) features a wine bar on one side, a beer bar on the other, and a patio in between. We usually grab the tables in the left front corner of the wine bar side.  Order on your own tab at either (or both!) bars (same food menu on both sides, and one tab works at both bars). Prospective members welcome. Meet other krewe members, ask questions, bounce ideas, show off what you’re working on, or just hang out. https://oakandalenola.com/

Medieval Game Day Saturday July 18

Free and open to the public, open to kids, families, kids at heart, and people who love games. Medieval costumes welcome but not required. We will have a variety of games for all levels and small and large groups, from modern board games about the One Hundred Years War to card and dice games that were played in medieval days. 9:30-1:30 p.m. at Jefferson Parish Wagner Library. Feel free to bring your own games! Questions? Want to help? Contact founder_amy@joanofarcparade.org. 

Joanie Off the Pony Performance Sunday July 19

Written by Joan of Arc Parade founder Amy Kirk Duvoisin, Joanie Off the Pony evolved from a full-length play, The Mermaid of New Orleans, first presented at the Joan of Arc Project’s annual Salon de Jeanne d’Arc in 2017. This new iteration embraces a multidisciplinary approach, blending theater, live music, improvisational movement, and collaborative performance, 2-4 p.m. Sunday July 19th at the Jazz Museum.

Presented in partnership with ArtSpan NOLA and local dancer—and Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc member—Jennifer Ramos, the project also features Atlanta-based musicians Iriamu (Will Hamilton) and W8ng4ufo’s. The musicians previously performed in New Orleans at the Marigny Opera House in 2025, accompanying Carl Dreyer’s landmark film The Passion of Joan of Arc. Details

Book Club “Blood Red Sister Rose” Aug. 1

We’ll gather at The Columns (3811 St. Charles, map) from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday August 1 to discuss our next book club selection. This historical fiction Joan of Arc novel by Thomas Keneally (author of Schindler’s List) will be the basis for an upcoming new Joan of Arc film by Baz Luhrman. RSVP not required, but helpful. All are welcome — no need to be a krewe member to participate. Each book discussion is independent, and you’ll probably enjoy the lively discussion even if you haven’t read the book!

– Co-Captain Amanda Helm, Membership Director, Business Manager, Internal Communications