Gretna’s Italian-Irish parade sees large crowds for second year
GRETNA, La. (WGNO) — The Italian Irish parade rolled through the streets of Gretna on Sunday, March 10 and attendees were eager to catch some good throws.
“We are going to have a nice time throwing, we got tons of stuff to throw to the kids today,” said parade rider William.
Hundreds crowded the streets not only for beads but for some groceries to stock up their pantries as well.
“They are notorious for throwing groceries. Especially the cabbages the onions even the lemons. Don’t get me started on the lemons. Yeah, you got to have lemons to make lemonade,” said paradegoer Nick Patrick.
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It’s only the second year the Gretna Italian-Irish Heritage parade has rolled but it’s grown to have more than 900 riders. For Sebastian Navia, being a part of the parade is a way to celebrate his culture.
“It makes me feel prideful of who I am, makes me think of my family and where we came from, my great-grandparents. As well as the fact we can be as a city, each culture deserves its own celebration. We all should be represented,” said Navia.
With throws like lemons, cabbage, bananas, and many more, some riders say they couldn’t forget about the kids.
“Ready to roll and do something for the kids. We’ve got about one hundred and forty pounds of candy and we are going to throw and throw until we are out,” said Armand Duvio.
“Love it. Love it, love it. I drove about eighty miles to get here. Beads and toys, that’s about all I can part in my car,” said RJ Dupre.
A parade some believe will grow each year it continues.
“This turnout looks great. I haven’t seen this many people out here since the ones they throw out in New Orleans,” said Patrick.
If you couldn’t make this parade, you still have more chances. The Metairie Road St. Patrick’s Day parade will take place on Sunday, March 17 at 12 p.m., the Louisiana Irish Italian parade will be on Sunday, March 24 at 12 p.m. and the Irish Channel parade will be held Saturday, March 16.
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