St. Joseph's Day celebrations are a fascinating part of New Orleans' cultural legacy.
St. Joseph Altars
This Sicilian ritual is still celebrated in New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana. New Orleans became a top destination for Sicilians as they settled in the United States in the late 19th century. One of the traditions the Sicilians brought with them was making altars for the Feast of St. Joseph, celebrated on March 19th. You can also read about the Spiritual Church tradition of St. Joseph Altars.
Check out this list from the Times-Picayune and from the LaFete News Letter of St. Joseph Altars that will be on display for this Tuesday March 19th. You can also check out the Times Picayune personals to find listings of home altars that will be on display. The Archdiocese of New Orleans is also promoting altars this year with the Twitter hashtag #StJoeAltarsNOLA.
You can leave offerings at the St. Joseph Virtual Altar.
St. Joseph's Night
At sunset on March 19 the Mardi Gras Indians don their elaborate suits of beads and feathers in neighborhoods throughout New Orleans and play out ritual confrontations with song and dance. Read more about Mardi Gras Indians and St. Joseph's night.
The Guardians of the Flame and the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame are hosting a St. Joseph's Day Open House on March 19, 2013 from 6pm to 7:30pm in the Community Room at Blue Plate Artists Lofts at 1315 S. Jefferson Davis Parkway. RSVP by March 18, 2013 by calling 504-214-6630 or QueenReesie@aol.com.
