Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Parade 2013

This is my 4th year celebrating St. Patrick’s in New Orleans. I don’t say St. Patrick’s “Day” because it goes on for longer, up to a week. I’m not Irish but I’ve really caught the St. Pat’s fever beading my fence line, decorating a wreath and wearing wig-to-petticoats green. There are many parades and events but my favorite thus far is the Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Over 1400 (often drunk) walkers in black suits and green accessories (many in kilts) exchange silk flowers for kisses from the women and children on the route. Then floats pass tossing cabbage, carrots, Oodles of Noodles, pickles, Moon Pies,  Lucky Charms and Irish Spring soap in addition to the traditional throws of beads, toys and cups.

Krewe of Okeanos

The Krewe of Okeanos was founded in 1949 by some Ninth Ward businessmen to bring a Carnival parade back to their neighborhood’s main drag, St. Claude Ave, though it now rolls Uptown. Named for the Greek God of oceans and lush valleys, the krewe has over 250 riders and rolled 19 floats depicting this year’s theme of “Children’s Fantasies.” The King was Garth Gilpin and the marshal was Vince Vance, whose moving song and video “I Am New Orleans,” marked the 5 year anniversary of Katrina.