St Joseph Altar Society on Bourbon Street

Since 2010, the annual St. Joseph Altar event will be held on March 19, 2026. As usual, the performing artists will be the operatic troupe - Bon Operatit. The performance of Bon Operatit is one hour and a half long. The first part of the festival is from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, where troupe will perform kicking off the festival by singing Italian and Opera songs from the balcony of the Bourbon Street Townhouse. After the musical performance, the event transitions to the religious and cultural portion of the festival. RELIGIOUS CEREMONY: The religious blessing and prayers of St. Joseph is one of the most important parts of the tradition of the St. Joseph Altar. Father Raymond Igbogidi serves as the celebrant from 7:30 to 7:45 PM. CULTURAL SYMBALISM: At 7:45 PM, Susan Danielson, the resident historian presents and explains the many symbols represented and displayed on the altar. FOOD FESTIVAL: At 7:50 until 10:00 PM The attendees and patrons will experience the traditional homemade foods and sweets on the St. Joseph Altar. In addition to the annual St. Joseph Day event, in December 2024 and 2025, the Society hosted the Feast of the Seven Fishes (la Cena Della Vigilia) along with Italian and Opera Music. On June 28, 2024 and September 18, 2024 the Society sponsored two mini in-house concerts with Italian/Sicilian with delicacies. These event broaden the traditions and culture of the Italian/Sicilian community in New Orleans. Each event has employed various musician and artists such as Bon Operatit, Lauren Mouney Gisclair, Mary Penick Akin, Jesse Nolan, Brindley Foret, Barbra Davis Smith, Jereme Henan and Josh Talley.