The 18th Annual Joan of Arc Parade marches on Joan of Arc’s 614th birthday on January 6, 2026, starting at 7:30 p.m. in the French Quarter, and will feature more participants than ever, a new route, a new largescale puppet of Joan of Arc and new walking groups.
The walking krewe which began with approximately 50 walking members in 2008 has grown to approximately 850 people creating a theatrical narration of Joan of Arc’s story that includes medieval costumes, artistic props and banners, live music, handmade throws, and a local young woman portraying Joan of Arc on horseback.
Due to significant construction in the French Quarter, the 2026 parade route has been altered and is slightly shorter.
Key differences in the route are:
- The parade begins in the Upper Quarter at Bienville and Front Streets at 7:30 p.m.
- The ceremonial Blessing of Joan’s Sword is at St. Mary’s Chapel on Chartres Street, not at St. Louis Cathedral.
- The toast to royalty will be from the 416 Chartres balcony, at the newly named Chef Paul Prudhomme Building.
- The parade ends at French Market Place and Barracks, near the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
The 2026 Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc Court is:
- Maid of Honor: Rory Davis, a senior at Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orleans
- Queen: Sandy Rosenthal, founder of Levees.org
- King: Greg Lambousy, Executive Director, The New Orleans Jazz Museum
Ms. Davis will portray Joan of Arc and ride on a white horse in the parade, as part of the Orléans battalion section of the parade, midway through the procession. She will distribute 32 hand decorated wooden swords. The Queen and King will be seated in pedicabs pulled by riders wearing papier mâché horseheads.
New signature favors to be handed out in 2026 include: handmade journals, hand painted soldiers, a medieval songbook, and a saint medallion featuring original artwork portraying Joan of Arc, by New Orleans Jackson Square artist Tara Gass-Braden. The piece, entitled “Courage”, was selected as part of the 2024 Joan of Art juried art exhibition, held annually each September since 2020 in partnership with Ariodante Gallery, designed to generate new artistic images for the Joan of Arc Parade and other Joan of Arc Project events held throughout the year.
Also new in 2026 is a large Joan of Arc puppet at the end of the parade, modeled after the beloved “Joanie on the Pony” statue in the French Quarter. The puppet is named “Blessing Joan” as her hands, operated by krewe members, will bless the crowd as she passes them, ushering in a new year and a new Mardi Gras season with courage and hope.
New walking groups participating in the 2026 Legacy section at the end of the parade include Krewe of Dolly, a local non-profit dedicated to spreading literacy through activities, parading, and book donations. This section of the parade showcases modern day saints, and groups that represent Joan’s legacy in our era.
Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc was founded in 2008 and includes the annual walking parade, the annual Salon de Jeanne d’Arc and annual Joan of Art contest. The purpose of the Project is to keep Joan’s story and spirit alive by hosting events, workshops, and presentations that illuminate Joan’s heroism and timelessness, while connecting her to the French heritage and pride of New Orleans. As the “Maid of Orléans” inspires citizens of New Orleans and people around the world, we welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds to join in our joyous, New Orleans-style revelry.
For more information visit www.joanofarcparade.org.
