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Hundreds filled the streets for the annual Joan of Arc parade
through New Orleans' historic French Quarter. Organizers said
they want the event to convey the city's spirited grit as it
grapples with the violent New Year's Day attack but still
persists with beloved traditions.
“We are celebrating life," said Antoinette de Alteriis, a
captain of the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc. "We are choosing hope and
we are choosing joy.”
Before the parade, President Joe Biden paid tribute to victims
at the nearby St. Louis Cathedral.
The attacker, a U.S. citizen who had proclaimed his support for
the Islamic State militant group, was fatally shot in a
firefight with police.
The Joan of Arc Parade, which began in 2008 and falls on the
French hero's birthday, marks the end of the Christmas season,
arrival of Carnival and the countdown to Mardi Gras. The next
eight weeks are spent feasting, drinking and revelry before Ash
Wednesday and the fasting associated with Lent.
Life Sacco, 17, served as Joan of Arc in the parade, donning a
costume and raising a sword. The weight of the parade, which
tells the story of Joan of Arc's life — from military bravery to
burning at the stake to sainthood — is not lost upon Sacco. She
said that the patron saint of France represents what the city
needs: courage, endurance and the power of hope.
“It’s such an emotional time right now for the city of New
Orleans, you can see it on everyone’s faces,” she said. “But I
feel like the first parade of the year could help lift spirits.”
New Orleans has the largest and best-known Carnival celebrations
in the U.S., with street parties, fancy balls and parades from
simple neighborhood-based walking clubs to elaborate high-tech
extravaganzas with massive floats laden with flashing lights and
giant animated figures.
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