New Orleans is a city full of rich Catholic history, which means that Easter is an especially popular holiday. Take a look at ways to enjoy Easter in New Orleans, with a special emphasis on the French Quarter (it’s the neighborhood where our hotel, Bienville House, resides!).
St. Louis Cathedral offers three Mass ceremonies on Easter Sunday. (Photo by Lara Farhadi via Flickr)
1. Experience Mass at St. Louis Cathedral
Located in Jackson Square, just a short walk from our hotel, St. Louis Cathedral is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. The historic cathedral still offers daily mass, including an Easter Mass that takes place at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. (review the complete mass schedule here). Afterward, head to Café Du Monde for fresh beignets and café au lait – be sure to have cash with you as this famous beignet shop does not accept credit cards.
2. Taste Rabbit at Latitude 29
Our very own onsite tiki restaurant and cocktail bar, Latitude 29, offers a delicious Rabbit Tocino appetizer dish. Brined in ginger beer with a side of pineapple yuzu vinaigrette, this dish is sure to please your palate.
Thinking about hunting for Easter eggs? Try their Shanghai Lumpia instead! This dish features 3 Filipino style egg rolls filled with pork, shrimp, glass noodles, mirepoix.
Three parades roll through the French Quarter on Easter Sunday. (Photo by Sean Connors via Flickr)
3. Watch An Easter Parade
Luckily, when you stay with us, you’ll have easy access to view the three different parades that pass through the French Quarter on Easter Sunday!
The Historic French Quarter Easter Parade is first up on Sunday, April 16, 2017. It begins at 9:45 a.m. at Antoine’s Restaurant and features a lineup of mule-drawn carriages and classic convertible cars meandering through the French Quarter, arriving at St. Louis Cathedral for 11:00 a.m. Mass.
Next up is the Chris Owens French Quarter Easter Parade which starts at 1:00 p.m. at the corner of Canal and Bourbon streets. Finally, local members of the LGBT community strut their stuff and showcase their finest Easter Sunday outfits in the Gay Easter Parade which typically begins at 4:30 p.m.
4. Hop Down The River
If you’ve never experienced a paddlewheeler cruise down the Mississippi River, Easter weekend offers the perfect opportunity! The Creole Queen’s annual Hoppin Down the River Cruise is a family friendly event that lets kids and adults take pictures with Bourgeois the Bunny and see and hold a real live alligator. The event also features a full lunch buffet and Easter treats in addition to face painting and other games and activities. There are two cruise times available on Saturday, April 15, 2017.
Visit our sister hotel’s restaurant, Criollo, to sample their delicious take on French toast, Pain Perdu.
5. Eat Brunch at Criollo
With their daily eggs benedict menu and morning cocktails from The Carousel Bar & Lounge, our sister hotel’s restaurant, Criollo, is a perfect destination for Easter brunch. Guests can choose from several gourmet appetizers, mains, and dessert to create an unforgettable Easter memory.
Book Your Trip To New Orleans Today!
It doesn’t matter whether it’s your first time visiting the Crescent City or you’re a local looking for a staycation, Bienville House offers the perfect boutique hotel setting in the heart of the French Quarter. Our convenient location offers easy access to the most popular tourist destinations and our enchanting courtyard and pool are the ideal place to relax after a day of exploring.