This roundtable will explore the development and impact of a yearly Joan of Arc themed Carnival parade and affiliated activities on understandings of Joan of Arc and carnival, itself.  The roundtable has alread been approved for inclusion at the International Congress of Medieval Studies in Kalamazoo, Michigan from May 14-16 2026.

The Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc in New Orleans has grown from a fledgling parade troupe to a year-round advocate for interest in the Maid. Its yearly 600-person parade themed around Joan of Arc, kicks off the Carnival season that culminates in Mardi Gras. Throughout the year, the krewe hosts art shows, conferences, and book clubs. A recently established exchange program with the Fêtes Johanniques in Orléans, allows their respective Joans to visit each others’ parades. The Krewe received nation-wide attention when members decided to march on January 6 in 2025, five days after the domestic terrorist attack on Bourbon Street.

We are seeking scholars and participants in the Krewe’s activities who can share their experiences, the history and evolution of the group, and how the story of Joan of Arc is shared, exchanged, and repurposed for the group’s activities. We will pose questions on the logistics of the group’s activities, results, and participation by members and the local community. How does New Orleans view the group? What is the appeal of Joan of Arc in this particular context? How did the city respond after the recent terrorist attack on Bourbon Street?

Please feel free to reach out to panel organizers Tara Smithson (tsmithson@saintmarys.edu) and Scott Manning (smanning@gmail.com) to discuss ideas or ask questions.

Abstracts can be submitted on the ICMS site by the deadline of 9/15/25: https://icms.confex.com/icms/2026/prelim.cgi/Session/7393