Just because carnival season has concluded does not mean parade season is over. In fact, in mid-March, cities around the world are celebrating the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

Marking it’s 70th annual celebration, New Orleans will hold its St. Patrick Day festivities between March 10 and 17.

New Orleans St. Patrick’s Day History

Celebrated in North America for nearly three centuries, St. Patrick’s day festivities is considered one of the largest ethnic celebrations in North America, according to St. Patricks Day New Orleans. Falling every year on March 17, the holiday commemorates the life of the Patron Saint Patrick. New Orleans has celebrated the holiday since 1947.

While St. Patrick day parades are held across North America, New Orleans holds a unique parade on March 11, which features floats, trucks and performers, and several unique throws.

Common throws include beads, doubloons and vegetables. The most sought after throw is cabbage—the vegetable.

The Irish Channel parade

The Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day parade takes place on Saturday, March 11, at 12:30 p.m.

Road closures

The 2017 St. Patrick’s Day parade begins at Jefferson Avenue and Tchoupitoulas Street, turns right Magazine Street until Jackson Avenue. At Jackson Avenue, the parade will head towards the river until Chippewa Street where the parade ends.

How to get there

For the St. Patrick day parade, walking or biking is always your best bet. Saturday’s parade is easily accessible from the Irish Channel, Touro, and Garden District neighborhoods. The bulk of the parade takes place on Magazine Street.

The parade is also accessible via the RTA through Louisiana Avenue, Jackson Avenue, and Jefferson Avenue.

Currently, New Orleans is demoing its bike share program, and it has been extended to the end of March, which mean several bikes may be available to rent before, during, and after the parade.

Driving is also a possibility, but parking is likely to be limited close by the parade route.

• St. Patrick’s Day New Orleans [Official Site]
• Social bicycle demo in New Orleans is extended until end of March [Curbed NOLA]