Since 2009 Ireland has honored the victims of the Great Famine (1845-1852) with official recognition of cities that offered refuge to the millions who escaped this catastrophe by going to foreign shores. During that tragedy thousands of men women and children fled starvation in Ireland for a better life in New Orleans. Events during the New Orleans Famine Commemoration will celebrate the contribution of these Irish immigrants to the Crescent City.

Friday, Nov. 7
10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tulane University Symposium at the St. Alphonsus Art and Cultural Center
Ireland and New Orleans: From the Famine to Katrina - Stories of Recovery will examine a variety of topics exploring the connection between New Orleans and Ireland. The symposium will close Friday afternoon with a keynote address by the Irish Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Free and open to the public. For additional information on Famine Commemoration events visit www.ifnola2014.org.

Friday, Nov. 7
5:00-6:00 p.m.
Irish Famine Commemoration Parade
The Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Club will march from Jackson Square through the French Quarter to usher in Lace Curtain Night on Conti Street. Along the route members will hand out special commemorative beads. For additional information visit www.icmnola.com.

Friday, Nov. 7
6:00-9:00 p.m.
Lace Curtain Night - An Gorta Mór: The Great Hunger Exhibit
This Irish heritage street celebration in the 900 block of Conti Street will feature a reunion performance of the popular Celtic band The Poor Clares and signature dishes from New Orleans restaurants for the preview of An Gorta Mór: The Great Hunger, a new exhibit at the Irish Cultural Museum of New Orleans made possible through the Emigrant Support Programme of Ireland. Hosted by the St. Patrick Foundation, a portion of the Lace Curtain Night proceeds will benefit the Lantern Light ministry at the St. Joseph Rebuild Center. Tickets are available in advance at www.icmnola.com and will also be sold the night of the event.

Saturday, Nov. 8
10:00 a.m. - Noon
Historical Tour of Irish New Orleans
This tour led by Tulane University historians will explore the neighborhoods in which the Irish settled and the churches they built as well as visit St. Patrick Cemeteries where most Irish are buried, many of whom were victims of the terrible yellow fever and cholera epidemics that frequently ravaged the city. Participants will have the opportunity to learn why New Orleans is the most Irish city in the South. Advance registration is required at www.ifnola2014.org.

Saturday, Nov. 8
9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Irish Fest at Kingsley House in the Irish Channel
A Walk for Relief: Let's Bounce to benefit the Red Cross will be followed by a Gaelic Football Tournament and New Orleans' first casual dress Irish Feis dance competition presented by Muggivan School of Irish Dance. Other festival activities include a special performance by The Poor Clares, The Wild Irish Roots, céili and traditional music session, a Great Famine art exhibit, children's activities and a Celtic Canines area for rover. The proceeds from festival food sales will support Lantern Light. In honor of the International Famine Commemoration a simple brown button will serve as the ticket to the schedule of festival heritage activities. The button is also a ticket to discounts at participating businesses and can be purchased in advance at www.irishfestneworleans.com.

 

 

Saturday, Nov. 8
7:00-11:00 p.m. (patron party at 6:00)
Irish Network-New Orleans (IN-NOLA) Famine Commemoration Gala
The IN-NOLA black tie event will feature New Orleans cuisine from some of the city's finest restaurants, including acclaimed restaurateur Dickie Brennan's establishments. Entertainment will include performances by the renowned Celtic rock band Black 47, and New York Celtic-Jazz singer Tara O'Grady with her Black Velvet Band, plus traditional Irish music and dancing. Officials from Ireland, including Heather Humphreys, the new Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and Irish Consul General Paul Gleeson will be guest speakers. A portion of the proceeds will benefit charities dedicated to providing Famine and hunger relief. Tickets are available at www.irishnetworkneworleans.org and www.innolagala.org.

Sunday, Nov. 9
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Dedication and Blessing of Hibernian Memorial Park
The Louisiana Ancient Order of Hibernians will celebrate the launch of a new 4-acre park on the site of the historic New Basin Canal with refreshments, food and music. The event will take place on the park grounds in Lakeview where a Celtic Cross Monument was erected in 1990 to honor the Irish laborers who built the canal. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information on Famine Commemoration events visit at www.ifnola2014.org.