Where Will You Be This St. Patrick’s Day Holiday?
As we all know St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, is soon approaching, and is bound to be an incredibly festive holiday whether one is in fact Irish or not! You might ask what makes this holiday so special from all the others, well, here in New Orleans, that’s easy! For starters, the color green will be seen scattered all over the streets of New Orleans and Metairie where people of all ages are gathered, friend or stranger, listening to music and having a fantastic time enjoying one of the many festivities.
This festive celebration that follows Mardi Gras makes for one of the most fun events that is not just celebrated one day with one parade, like New York City’s famous St. Patrick’s Day parade, but is celebrated with festivities that go on for ten days, highlighted by SIX different parades throughout the Greater New Orleans/Metro area. Furthermore, our city hosts some of the biggest outdoor block parties that are completely free and open to the public, such as, the famous Parasol’s block party that takes place in the Irish Channel every year.
One reason the St. Patrick’s Day parades that take place in our amazing city are so unique is because of all the vital ingredients that can be caught by parade goers. Let’s think about it. Where else can you catch all the ingredients needed to make the traditional Irish stew, and enough to feed the whole family or more?! Whether its vegetables or fruits, beads or trinkets, stuffed animals or moon pies; it’s certain that waving your hands in the air, screaming “throw me something mister”, will land you some rare surprises. In addition to the decorative floats, we cannot forget to mention the large walking groups of men and women of the various marching clubs, decked out in elaborate costumes exchanging paper flowers for a kiss!
If you plan to take part in any of the festivities for St. Patrick’s Day, there are a few essential items that you may want to keep in mind. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and to bring plenty of strong, large bags to carry all the goodies caught that day. Also, the weather is usually warm enough for shorts so be sure to wear sunscreen and lastly, no one wants to get pinched so don’t forget to wear GREEN; everyone is Irish for the day!!
For your convenience, we’ve composed a list of many of the St. Patty’s Day events happening in our wonderful city:
Friday, March 13th: Molly’s at the Market Irish Parade in the French Quarter – 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 14th: Irish Channel Parade in New Orleans – 1 p.m.
Saturday, March 14th: Italian-American St. Joseph’s Parade in the French Quarter – 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 14th & Tuesday March 17th: Tracey’s Block Party in New Orleans (Irish Channel) – 11 a.m. – till
Saturday, March 14th & Tuesday, March 17th: Parasol’s Block Party in New Orleans (Irish Channel) – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 15th: St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Metairie on Metairie Road – 12 noon
Tuesday, March 17th: Downtown Irish Club Parade in New Orleans – 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 22nd: Louisiana Irish/Italian Parade in Metairie on Veterans Blvd. – 12 noon
Gulf South Foot & Ankle would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day! Our office will be open so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, concerns, or emergencies. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook !!