BK House Celebrates Italian Heritage with Special Events

The Historic BK House & Gardens is set to honor the Patron Saint of Sicily with its annual St. Joseph’s Altar on March 18th and 19th. Located at 1113 Chartres Street, BK House continues the sacred Sicilian tradition, once embraced by the Corrado Giacona Family from the 1890s to 1925.

The celebration begins with a private blessing of the altar by Father Damien Zablocki on March 18th, followed by public viewing and informative sessions on the 19th and 20th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will receive traditional prayer cards, Italian cookies, blessed bread, and lucky beans, immersing themselves in the rich heritage of Sicilian culture. Donations in support of the altar are welcome, with contributions accepted via email at [email protected].

Adding to the festivities, on March 17th, BK House presents Cin Cin! – an Italian Wine & Food Pairing event. Hosted by Sommelier Wes Kohler-Bergene, guests will savor five Sicilian wines paired with delectable dishes by Messina’s Catering, all while enjoying live Italian American music by the Glow Worm Trio. Tickets are available for $45 for BK Members and $50 for non-members.

Furthermore, BK House invites music enthusiasts to the Rhythm & Roses Concert Series, commencing on March 14th with Amanda Shaw and concluding on May 2nd with Marcia Ball. Held in the Parterre Garden on Ursulines at Chartres Street, concerts will take place from 6-9 p.m., with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $30 for nonmembers and $25 for BK members.

Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the house, built in 1826, has been a prominent fixture in New Orleans. Under the stewardship of noted author Frances Parkinson Keyes, the property has evolved into a hub for cultural programming, focusing on the diverse families and influences of the French Quarter neighborhood. Membership, events, grants, donations, and fundraising activities contribute to ongoing restoration efforts and future projects.

All events aim to celebrate the rich heritage of the French Quarter neighborhood and support ongoing restoration and future capital improvement projects of the Historic BK House & Gardens. For more information about upcoming events and membership opportunities, visit www.bkhouse.org.