The New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association celebrates the cultural heritage and architecture of the city with its 75th annual Spring Fiesta, held March 25 through April 3rd.
The festivities get under way on Friday with French Quarter Home Tour I beginning at the historic Spring Fiesta House, 826 St. Ann. A total of 20 homes not usually open to the public will be part of this year's tours. Experience the grandeur of the past as you walk through these Garden District, French Quarter, and Uptown homes.
On Saturday, March 26 at 10:00 a.m. the guided French Quarter Walking Tour (starts at St. Ann St.) is led through the historic Vieux Carre with insights not available through commercial tours. The walking tours are available on Saturday and Sunday of both weekends from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m..
Saturday's festivities also feature a Promenade through Jackson Square preceding the presentation of the Spring Fiesta Queen and her Court (adorned in antebellum attire) at 2:30 p.m.
Following the presentation at 4:30 p.m., the Queen and her court parade through the Vieux Carre in “A Night in Old New Orleans" parade in horse drawn carriages showering her subjects with the season's bounty.
Sunday tours of the elegant Uptown homes run from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Activities on Weekend II begin with an optional brunch at Commander's Palace ($75 includes three-course lunch and tour of Garden District home;reservations required) followed by tours of the fabulous Garden District homes from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m.. On Sunday, French Quarter Home Tours start at 1:00 p.m.
Home Tour tickets are $22 in advance; $25 on the day of tour. Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.ticketweb.com or at the Spring Fiesta Home after March 21 until the day of the event.
Visit www.springfiesta.com for more information and reservations, or phone 1-800-550-8450.
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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