It has been said that everyone in New Orleans is at least a little Catholic. The area has a long history of Saints in New Orleans Catholic traditions.

The religious influence on the cities culture is depicted in the spirit of life in New Orleans. It all begins on January 6th or the “Twelfth Night,” also known to New Orleans Catholics as the “Epiphany”.  When the King Cakes and Mardi Gras come to an end Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares New Orleanians for Easter Sunday.

While a period of reflection there are several Catholic Saints days of celebration like Saint Joseph and Saint Patrick Day. New Orleans Saint Joseph Day altar are a tradition rooted in the cities Sicilian heritage. Often celebrated in along side the Irish Catholics New Orleans Saint Patrick Day. Both New Orleans Saints celebration enjoy parades in the Big Easy.

Lagniappe means a little something extra and in New Orleans you don’t have to necessarily be Catholic to enjoy a Saints celebration.