NEW ORLEANS — In a poignant display of resilience, hundreds gathered in New Orleans to partake in the vibrant Joan of Arc Parade, marking the start of the Carnival season just five days after a tragic attack left 14 victims on Bourbon Street. The air was filled with a mixture of somber remembrance and celebratory spirit as participants dressed as angels walked through the historic French Quarter, hands clasped in prayer.

The Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc, the parade's organizing body, emphasized that this event was a symbol of the city’s indomitable spirit in the face of violence. “We are celebrating life,” declared Antoinette de Alteriis, a captain of the group. “We are choosing hope and we are choosing joy.” Before the festivities commenced, President Biden honored the victims at a tribute held at the nearby St. Louis Cathedral, acknowledging the pain the city is enduring.

This year's parade, which began in 2008 and celebrates the birthday of the French heroine Joan of Arc, not only signals the end of the Christmas season but also kickstarts the countdown to Mardi Gras, a period filled with revelry, drinks, and feasting. Life Sacco, who portrayed Joan of Arc in the procession, reflected on the emotional weight of the event. “It’s such an emotional time right now for the city of New Orleans; you can see it on everyone’s faces,” she noted, highlighting the need for community and hope. She emphasized that Joan of Arc symbolizes the courage and endurance that the city requires at this moment.

New Orleans, celebrated for its extravagant Carnival festivities, showcases an array of events from intimate neighborhood gatherings to elaborate spectacles with stunning floats and vibrant lights. In the wake of tragedy, this parade stands as a powerful reminder of the city's strength and unity.

For more details on this event, you can read the full coverage by Los Angeles Times.