The tenth annual YeMaYa Parade will take place on Sunday, October 24, at 2 p.m. The procession honors Yemaya, goddess of water and protector of women and children in the Yoruban tradition, and specifically “the sacred water that surrounds New Orleans and gives us life, to honor New Orleans women musicians, paraders, and spirit workers,” writes organizer
Anne Marie Coviello.

The parade will start on the banks of Bayou St. John at the corner of Moss and Toulouse Streets. The procession will wend its way down the Lafitte Greenway to Congo Square where it will join the weekly drum circle of the Congo Square Preservation Society. Finally, the parade will progress down St. Ann Street to the Moon Walk where offerings will be made at the Mississippi River. The YeMaYa-Yas will sing songs to the goddess, accompanied by the Slow Danger Brass Band. For the first time, the parade will feature dancers and musicians of the group Bloco Sereia.

All are welcome to join the YeMaYa Parade. Supporters can purchase raffle tickets to win a cash prize and help the parade pay for its permit and to support the musicians. For more information, visit the Facebook page of the YeMaYa Parade or call (504) 669-8022.