Twelfth Night. Chapter 572.

Today is Twelfth Night. It is the last day of Christmas and the first day of Carnival. Mrs. King and I are going to see the Krewe of Joan of Arc Parade. It is a medieval-themed candlelight walking parade in the French Quarter.

Mardi Gras is the holiday, Carnival is the season. Everyone in the city is in a wonderful mood as I make my rounds. We have stopped saying Happy New Year. We now say Happy Carnival.

Every day in New Orleans is a good day.

I saw the 610 Stompers practicing their moves on Bienville Street this morning.

When I caught them practicing, they were out of uniform. The sheriff's cars were blocking the intersections. I took my Vespa up on the sidewalk. The Stompers were moving too slowly for me. I had stuff to do. People were on the sidewalk. They came out of their houses to cheer on the Stompers. Carnival has started! It's a tradition. Everyone was happy. We were all smiling and laughing and wishing each other a Happy Mardi Gras.

Now, I will tell you about the Joan of Arc Parade. I have plenty of photos.