St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans

  In New Orleans, St. Patrick’s Day is much more than a one-day celebration. Throughout March, the city and surrounding communities go green with parades, block parties, Irish music, food and plenty of only-in-New-Orleans traditions.

You’ll find celebrations in the Irish Channel, French Quarter, Metairie and beyond, with revelers lining the streets to catch beads, flowers and even the makings of an Irish stew.

Looking for this year’s dates, parade routes, starting times and special events? Visit StPatricksDayNewOrleans.com for the latest St. Patrick’s Day information.

Irish History in New Orleans

New Orleans may be best known for its French, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences, but the Irish played an important role in shaping the city, too.

Large numbers of Irish immigrants arrived in New Orleans during the 19th century, particularly during the 1830s, ’40s and ’50s. Many came seeking work and a better life, while thousands more fled Ireland during the Great Famine.

Irish laborers helped dig the New Basin Canal, which once connected Lake Pontchartrain with the growing American sector of New Orleans. The work was grueling and dangerous, and many workers died from yellow fever and other diseases.

Other Irish immigrants found jobs along the busy riverfront and settled in neighborhoods upriver from downtown. One of those areas eventually became known as the Irish Channel, a working-class neighborhood whose immigrant history remains an important part of its identity.

Today, New Orleans celebrates that heritage every March with parades, parties, music and traditions that put a distinctly local spin on St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Patrick’s Day Parades

New Orleans does parades a little differently, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. Instead of just beads, riders on some parades are famous for tossing cabbages, potatoes, carrots and other produce to the crowds (the makings for an Irish stew). Bring a bag and, with a little luck, you might go home with dinner.

Among the area’s best-known annual traditions are:

Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Parade

One of the city’s signature St. Patrick’s Day events, the Irish Channel Parade rolls through the historic Irish Channel and Garden District with floats, marching groups, bands and plenty of green. Tuxedo-clad members of Irish organizations traditionally walk the route, stopping along the way to exchange flowers for kisses.

Downtown Irish Club Parade

This lively walking parade brings Irish pride to downtown New Orleans, traditionally traveling from the Marigny through the French Quarter and beyond. Expect music, marching groups and stops at neighborhood establishments along the way.

Metairie St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Jefferson Parish gets in on the celebration with a large, family-friendly parade along the Metairie route. Floats, marching groups and an impressive assortment of throws make this a popular event for all ages.

Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade

Why celebrate just one heritage? This Metairie tradition brings Irish and Italian culture together in a parade filled with floats, marching groups and plenty of produce flying through the air.

St. Bernard Irish Italian Islenos Parade

The celebration continues in St. Bernard Parish, where Irish, Italian and Isleño heritage come together for another colorful community parade.

Parades and schedules can change from year to year, and there are often additional celebrations throughout the New Orleans area. For current dates, times, routes and the complete parade schedule, visit StPatricksDayNewOrleans.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Parties

You don’t need a float to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans. The Irish Channel is traditionally the center of the action, with neighborhood bars, restaurants and outdoor gatherings serving corned beef and cabbage, Irish favorites and, naturally, plenty of beer. Longtime neighborhood establishments such as Parasol’s are closely associated with the festivities, while additional block parties and celebrations take place around the city throughout the St. Patrick’s Day season. Events, locations and schedules can vary, so check before you go.

Plan Your St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans

Whether you come for the parades, the parties, the history or the chance to catch a flying cabbage, St. Patrick’s Day is a great time to experience New Orleans.

Before heading out, visit StPatricksDayNewOrleans.com for the latest parade schedules, routes, parties and other St. Patrick’s Day events throughout the New Orleans area.