With most townsfolk being Christian, Easter celebrations in New Orleans are more spiritual in nature. This means there are plenty of festivities to celebrate the end of 40 days of Lent and restrictions. Everyone gets something interesting: churches have services, children get egg hunts, and adults can have a special brunch at their favorite restaurants.
However, it wouldn't be a celebration in New Orleans without Easter parades. The city gets its fair number of parades dedicated to different issues and topics, such as The Historic French Quarter Easter Parade, Chris Owens French Quarter Parade, and the Gay Easter Parade.
Historic French Quarter Easter Parade (March 31, 2024)
The Historic French Quarter Easter Parade kicks off Easter Sunday’s lineup of parades. It starts from Antoine’s Restaurant early in the morning at 9:45 am and arrives at St. Louis Cathedral at 11 am for the Mass. Fancy-dressed men and women leisurely drive across the French Quarter in old convertibles and mule-drawn carriages, handing out Easter treats to the kids.
After the mass, participants go to Jackson Square, just opposite the Cathedral. In front of the crowds, they show off their Easter attire and all the finery and finally return to the starting point at Antoine's. The owners of the best Easter bonnets and baskets and overall festive attire get awards.
Let us draw your attention to the start and end venue of the Historic French Quarter Easter Parade—Antoine's Restaurant. The place is known to be New Orleans' oldest restaurant, founded circa 1840 by Antoine Alciatore (hence comes its naming). A curious fact is that the restaurant is still operated by the original founder's fifth-generation grandson. The Antoine’s offers some of the finest French-Creole dining options, including oysters Rockefeller. So, we definitely recommend that you plan a meal here during your Easter getaway to the city.
Chris Owens French Quarter Parade (March 31, 2024)
Chris Owens is a French Quarter entertainer who has led an Easter parade through its streets for over 35 years. Crowds and costumes may remind you of Mardi Gras. Royal and Bourbon streets are filled with floats, the Krewes, and other joyful and colorful groups. The parade usually starts when The Historic French Quarter Easter Parade is over so that you can enjoy both occasions in a row.
The overall celebration starts earlier, at about 11 am, with a hat contest, silent auction, and other entertainment at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel Ballroom. The parade itself steps off at 1 pm from St. Louis and Royal (in front of the hotel) and follows rightwards on Bourbon to Gov. Nicholls Street to Decatur until it finishes at its initial point. Brace yourself for vibrant floats, marching bands, Easter trinkets, beads, and happy crowds. After the parade, everyone is welcome to have more fun at Champagne Brunch and dancing with David Cook and the Yat Pack!
