Marshall Harris (l) presides over a float in the Chris Owens parade as it passes along Decatur Street in 2019.
If we can't have an Easter parade, let's pop on a bonnet, pour a mimosa (or two) and toast the four krewes who made the 2019 holiday one to remember.
- photos by Ellis Anderson Ostara
Haven't heard of Ostara? We admit we hadn't either. We woke at dawn and were giving the dogs a long walk since we planned to photograph the three big parades during the day. At the corner of Ursulines and Royal streets, we hear a brass band. What? We captured this little vid of this marvelous krewe and went home to Google "Ostara." Wiki told us that "Ēostre, or Ostara is a Germanic goddess who, by way of the Germanic month bearing her name is the namesake of the festival of Easter in some languages."
We also found they've been marching for a few years without much fanfare - but expect they'll join the big three as an Easter day must-see. We especially like that at least some of the paraders carry dog treats, as you'll see in the video! Jackson Square
Easter morning, it's the place to be. Flocks of families congregate to attend mass, or take in the show of bonnets or both.
There's always a long line to get into the Easter morning masses.
The Historic French Quarter Easter Parade
It started out as the Germaine Wells Easter Parade in 1956 and is the city's oldest Easter parade. Germaine Wells was the daughter of Count Arnaud Cazanave, founder of Arnaud's restaurant. She set the bar high where Easter style was concerned and the parade today still reflects that.
It starts at Antoine's on St. Louis street around 10am, taking a zig-zag route to St. Louis Cathedral, where participants celebrate the 11am mass. Afterward, the carriages and convertibles bear them back to Antoine's for a grand luncheon. 
The Chris Owens Easter Parade
The iconic Bourbon Street burlesque dancer Chris Owens started the parade 37 years ago, putting her own high-stepping spin on the more formal one.
The Gay Easter Parade
Created 20 years ago by Ambush Magazine to spotlight the creativity of the LGBTQ community, the family-friendly parade finishes up the day's festivities with a flair.
Not in one of the parades, but should be.
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