Happy Easter!
Easter in New Orleans marks the end of Lent and falls during spring, the most beautiful season of the year to be in the Crescent City. With a large Christian population, Easter is an especially important day in the vibrant city of New Orleans. However, like many other religious holidays in the Crescent City, Easter draws a great deal of secular celebration as well. Each year, the French Quarter blossoms with beautiful bonnets and seersucker suits as New Orleanians of all beliefs hit the streets to enjoy the weather. Find out more about how you can celebrate Easter in New Orleans below.
Attend an Easter Parade
The French Quarter hosts several delightful parades on Easter Sunday. The most traditional of these parades is the Historic French Quarter Easter Parade. This New Orleans attraction begins at Antoine’s Restaurant at 9:45 AM, then makes its way to the towering St. Louis Cathedral for 11 AM Mass. The procession includes mule-drawn carriages, time-honored convertibles, and lively walking contingents. Make sure to catch the participants showcasing their best Easter bonnets and outfits in Jackson Square after Mass.
Next up is the French Quarter Easter Parade, which had long been known as the Chris Owens Easter Parade before the perennial Grand Duchess’s passing in 2022. Every year, this vibrant celebration comes to life with its stunning floats, egg-tastic throws, and magnificent decorations. This popular New Orleans attraction starts in front of the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel at 1 PM, then proceeds down Bourbon Street.
Later in the evening, keep an eye out for the Gay Easter Parade, an annual holiday celebration courtesy of the French Quarter’s longstanding queer community. This family-friendly parade makes its way past all of the neighborhood’s treasured gay bars, restaurants and shops. The parade consists of carriages, floats, walking crews, and maybe even a couple motorcycles. Plus plenty of throws, of course! This parade starts at 5:30PM and runs through many parts of the French Quarter, including Royal Street and Bourbon Street. All are welcome!
Eat Out for Easter Brunch
Easter in New Orleans presents a splendid opportunity to enjoy classic Crescent City cuisine at a festive brunch. M. Bistro at the Ritz-Carlton on Canal Street features a three-course menu, live harp music, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Try Compere Lapin for an a la carte brunch menu with boozy brunch cocktails. You can even book a scenic spot at the brunch buffet on the City of New Orleans riverboat! There are so many great choices for your perfect Easter brunch, each with their own signature Creole recipes. With questions regarding details and reservations, please contact individual restaurants about your notice.
Learn More with a New Orleans Walking Tour
Easter is a great time of year to learn more about the French Quarter by taking a New Orleans walking tour. Easter celebrations are deeply rooted in New Orleans’ festive culture and Catholic history. As professional tour guides impart their extensive knowledge of the neighborhood, the streets will be alive with dazzling bonnets and summer suits. A French Quarter tour will fill you in on how this splendorous neighborhood developed into the magical place we know today. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore downtown New Orleans — book your French Quarter tour today and discover its unique charm!
