We have a lot to look forward to as we enter the new year, and Mardi Gras is one of them. Twelfth Night, also known as the Feast of the Epiphany, marks the beginning of the Carnival season. Usually, New Orleans celebrates with private balls and street parades to psych people up, and king cakes are in high demand. The city has a lot of exciting things planned for this year, so grab your friends and family, and let the good times roll!
St.
Joan of Arc Parade
If you're
dying to go to a parade, now's your chance! Join the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc as
they wish St. Joan of Arc a happy birthday with a medieval-style parade, a
royal toast, a sword blessing, and a crowning ceremony. The parade will promptly
start at 7 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. This is a good way of celebrating Twelfth
Night, as well as paying homage to the woman who liberated Orleans, France,
from British rule. It's also a neat way of meeting fellow fans of medieval
culture! See the parade route at. 7330 Sycamore St., 504-251-5046, joanofarcparade.org

Phunny
Phorty Phellow's Parade
Another
parade to attend is Phunny Phorty Phellows's annual streetcar parade. The
krewe, founded in 1878, plans to assemble in the Willow Street Car Barn at 7 p.m., where they will "herald the arrival of Carnival" down
the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line. Expect to see the Storyville Stompers during the parade! phunnyphortyphellows.com
Twelfth
Night Celebration at the Sazerac House
Just because
we're getting back to normal doesn't mean house floats are a thing of the past!
The Sazerac House will unveil the interactive float "King Cocktail" in the
lobby, which was commissioned by the Krewe of Red Beans and various Mardi Gras artists last year. Grab your friends
and take selfies in front of the float as you eat slices of Nonna
Randazzo's king cake
and jam out to some tunes played by DJ Ann Glaviano. House tours will also be available. 101 Magazine St.,
504-910-0100, sazerachouse.com

Candlelight:
From Bach to the Beatles
Enjoy a
night of classical music performed by the Listeso
String Quartet
under candlelight at Felicity Church. Presented by Fever Originals,
Candlelight will take the audience back into time as the string quartet
performs classics such as "Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major" and "Ave
Maria" by Bach, as well as hits like "Hey Jude," "Michelle," and "All You Need
Is Love" by the Beatles. Candlelight will perform on the Twelfth Night and on
Thursday, February 3, at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Tickets are $35. 1220 Felicity St.,
504-457-8513, feverup.com
A
Night of Joy with the Societé des Champs Elyseé
Join the
not-so-secret Societé des Champs Elyseé at the Carnaval Lounge for a "Night of Joy" at 6 p.m. as they reign in the
Carnival season with dazzling costumes and talented musicians. This year's
theme is A Confederacy of Dunces Aboard a Ship of Fools. The party is open to
everyone, so grab your friends and join the krewe! General admission for
non-krewe members is $25 and $20 in advance/at the door in costume. 2227 St.
Claude Ave., 504-265-8855, societedeschampselysee.org