Most New Orleans traditions are deeply rooted in faith, family, and fun, and Easter is no exception. The streets become a sea of seersucker suits dappled with pastel and white linen dresses as people gather together for Easter mass, egg hunts, parades, and, of course, meals. Marked with New Orleans’ signature spirit, it’s a celebration for all ages, with many unique ways for seniors to celebrate and enjoy the holiday.
Faith and Religious Observations
Many seniors in New Orleans still regard Easter as a religious holiday, first and foremost. The city has a strong Catholic presence and influence which offers an array of reverent traditions leading up to Easter Sunday.
Stations of the Cross
Many churches throughout the area host Stations of the Cross, which is a solemn reenactment of the suffering Jesus endured during his journey to the crucifixion. It consists of 14 stations, each one representing a significant moment in Jesus’ final hours. It’s observed throughout Lent, especially on Good Friday. Participants pray and reflect on Jesus’ suffering and sacrifices throughout each station. This can be done privately at home with a prayer book, inside of the church, or in a group setting. New Orleans is often well-known for its live reenactments or community processions, where participants walk from station to station and pray together.
Easter Sunday
One of the most deeply moving Easter experiences is the Easter Vigil Mass at the St. Louis Cathedral, one of New Orleans most iconic landmarks. Beginning at 8:00PM on Holy Saturday, the mass is usually presided over by the Archbishop of New Orleans and begins with the lighting of the Paschal Candle. The Service of the Light symbolizes the transition from death to life, represented by the darkness to light– Jesus’ resurrection. In addition to other key parts of the mass, the Easter vigil also includes a Baptismal Liturgy where Catechumens (new believers) receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and their First Holy Communion. This particular mass, though lengthy, is filled with rich symbolism and tradition, making it a deeply moving experience, especially enjoyed by seniors.
Parades & Festivities
New Orleans is no stranger to parades. In fact, it’s not unusual to stumble upon a parade or second-line on any given day or weekend in the city. Some are obviously more formal and organized than others, with Easter being no exception.
Following Easter Mass, this parade begins at Antoine’s restaurant and features horse-drawn carriages and antique convertible cars. Participants dressed in their Easter best, including extravagant Easter bonnets, promenade through Jackson Square, before returning to Antoine’s. They pass out stuffed Easter bunnies, candy, and other trinkets.
Chris Owens French Quarter Parade
Beginning in the 1980s, this parade has become an annual tradition filled with colorful floats and famous brass bands, along with other entertainers and dance groups. Those attending the parade can expect to catch Easter-themed throws as the parade takes off from the corner of Canal and Bourbon.
Egg Hunts & Picnics
Parks, churches, and community centers throughout the area offer egg hunts and picnics, enjoyed by people of all ages. This is also a common practice in backyards throughout the area, with the golden egg being the prized token.
Jazz Brunches & Easter Luncheons
No New Orleans holiday is complete without a decadent meal, particularly a jazz brunch. Venues like Commander’s Palace, Brennan’s, and Court of Two Sisters all offer traditional jazz brunches.
Family Gatherings & Crawfish Boils
For those looking for a more casual celebration, Easter is often celebrated with crawfish boils or a traditional ham dinner. Family and friends gather together at someone’s home and enjoy warm, spring weather, good food and company, and egg hunts.
Dyeing Eggs
Dyeing Easter Eggs is a tradition enjoyed by many families each year. This is a great activity to do with the grandkids! Boil your eggs ahead of time, have all of the grandkids wear one of Dad’s oversized t-shirts, and set up tables outside, with plastic tablecloths, to reduce the mess! Once all of the eggs have been dyed bright, beautiful colors, you can either enjoy egg salad, traditional deviled eggs, or try your luck at the Cajun tradition of egg knocking (also known as egg pocking)!
Egg Knocking (or Pocking)
Participants select their hard-boiled egg of choice and knock it against their opponent’s egg, pointy sides together. Whichever egg cracks is out of the competition. The winner continues on in a single elimination, bracket-style play until a single winner is reached. The tradition is said to bring good luck to the winner in the upcoming year. Some families like to pay a dollar to enter and the winner takes the “pot” at the end!