Kickstarter

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The YeMaYa Parade on Saturday, November 5, 2011 will be the first ever all-women, only-women walking parade in New Orleans. We have over 25 women’s parading groups ready to hit the streets together in an historic outpouring of music, dance, costumes, creativity and sisterhood.  The costs of putting on a big street parade are considerable, including parade insurance, the police escort and ensuring that we have enough all women bands so that everybody has music to march and dance to. Our goal is that every woman and girl, regardless of her ability to pay membership dues, will be able to join in.
Our groups include the Lady Buckjumpers, the Lady Rollers, the Pussyfooters, the Camel Toe Steppers, the Bearded Oysters, the Muff-a-lottas, the Sirens, The Single Ladies and many more.
Music will be provided by St. Mary’s Academy Marching Band, and other all women and all girl musical groups.
Our theme this year is “Every Women a Queen.” Our parade logo is a crown, which symbolizes the inherent dignity and worth of all women.
Yemaya is the Yoruban Goddess of the Sea, a mother figure who fiercely protects women, children, and the ocean. She gave birth to all other orishas, and she traveled to the New World with her children who came here in chains. Her colors are blue and green and her symbols are the mermaid and the crescent moon. We name our parade in honor of her and ask for her blessing.
LadyFest New Orleans is a five day festival celebrating women musicians, artists and writers. We are grateful to them for including our parade in their festival and the chance to honor the unique and often overlooked contribution of women to the parading traditions of New Orleans.