It might be hard to believe, but New Orleans and neighboring Jefferson Parish host some of the largest St. Patrick’s Day Festivities in the United States. New Orleans was a settlement for some Irish immigrants, there is even a neighborhood of the city that is called the Irish Channel. Our area’s Irish descendants revel in the celebration that is St. Patrick’s Day. The Big Easy is a great party city and this holiday is not very different from other festivals such as Mardi Gras, French Quarter Fest or Essence Festival. People flock to New Orleans to enjoy a number of different parades and block parties. Remember when you’re partying in New Orleans, there are still laws and rules to abide by and your safety is important. As a criminal defense lawyer in Jefferson Parish and Orleans Parish, I have seen celebrations get out of hand at all events, even St. Patrick’s Day parades.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Happenings in the Crescent City
As I mentioned, there is not just one day of celebrations in New Orleans, and neighboring Metairie, for St. Patrick’s Day. Starting with Friday, March 14th, make your way to the French Quarter for the annual Molly’s at the Market Irish Parade starting on Decatur Street. You can enjoy marching groups and riders in carriages from all over the region to kick off the weekend. Wake up early on Saturday, March 15th to celebrate everything green the Irish Channel. Tracey’s St. Paddy’s Day Party and Parasol’s Block Party Celebration both start in the morning (they essentially are also the same block party as they are only a couple blocks from each other) but stay for the parade! The large Irish Channel Parade starts with a Mass at noon and continues on to the parade at 1 p.m. starting at Felicity and Magazine Street. Revel in the floats, dance to the marching bands, steal kisses from the local clubs and celebrate law enforcement from around the country. This is a must-see parade. You might even catch a cabbage, carrot, moon pie or a kiss from members of local men’s clubs!
The fun doesn’t stop there. On Saturday evening, make your way back to the French Quarter for the Italian-American St. Joseph’s Parade in the French Quarter. New Orleans never forgets any of their heritages and the Italians celebrate as well. The Italian American Club celebrates St. Joseph’s with a parade through the quarter with floats and marching bands. There’s also a spaghetti dinner to support the Italians in the parade. On Sunday, March 16th you can hop over the Parish line to neighboring Metairie Road for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Metairie Road. This parade begins at noon in front of Rummel High School and makes its way back to the Parish line. Since St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Monday, head back to the Irish Channel for some all-day block partying at Parasol’s and Tracey’s (again). If you’re not partied out, catch the Downtown Irish Club Parade at 6 p.m. that evening in the Bywater and Marigny. And, save the best for the following weekend as we head back to Jefferson Parish for the Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade at noon on Sunday, March 23rd. You see? New Orleans celebrations are always extended.
Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans Responsibly
St. Patrick’s Day is another holiday that typically includes drinking alcoholic beverages. Remember these laws and safety guidelines while you celebrate the Irish and Italian heritages of Southeast Louisiana:
• You must be 21 years old to drink in Louisiana. If you are caught for underage drinking, you can be cited with a Minor in Possession violation.
• Although there is no “open container law” in Orleans Parish or Metairie, you should still never drink out of a glass container in public. This goes for the parade routes and the French Quarter.
• If you plan to drive out to Metairie for the parades, do not plan to drink and drive! Driving under the influence is not only illegal, but extremely dangerous and unsafe for both yourself and those around you.
• Obey law enforcement. If an NOPD or JPSO believes you are acting unruly, listen to them and act accordingly.
• If you plan to get a daiquiri at a drive-thru, make sure the straws don’t puncture the tops before you get to your destination.
What to Do if I am Arrested During a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in Jefferson Parish
If you or someone you know has been arrested for Minor in Possession of alcohol, public intoxication, or lewd conduct during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, you should call an experienced criminal defense lawyer at Crescent City Law. If you were arrested on a DWI charge or open container law violation in Jefferson Parish, contact a trustworthy and efficient criminal lawyer who can help you get through this stressful time. No matter what happens during your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, do not resist arrest and remember your rights. You do not have to answer any questions once you’ve been arrested, and you shouldn’t, because anything you say can be used against you. Erin Go Bragh and party safely! If you or someone you know is arrested in New Orleans during St. Patrick’s Day, hire an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. I can be reached at (504) 264-9492 or by e-mail here.
