NEW ORLEANS (press release) – For the past 9 years, Brennan’s restaurant in New Orleans, has housed a family of banana leaf-green turtles – 10 of them, to be exact – who inhabit the fountain pool under a canopy of greenery in the property’s lush slate courtyard. The beloved mascots of the legendary restaurant have been dubbed the Muthas and the Othas – turtles are named, affectionately, after the traditional Mother Sauces, hence the parade is always held on Mother’s Day weekend.
Brennan’s will celebrate the turtles at their annual parade Saturday, May 13, with a festive journey through out the French Quarter starting at 10 a.m., beginning at Bienville to St. Louis, then onward to Royal Street. “The Slowest Second Line on Earth” – complete with a police escort and Kin Folk Brass Band – will process in their “home sweet home” style tribute with each of the 10 turtles riding in their own custom festooned wagons, decorated by the Brennan’s staff and their families. Each float creatively portrays the meaning behind its namesake mother sauce. The finale starts at the entrance of Brennan’s, where they roll out the green carpet, guiding the welcomed guests who joined the parade and turtles into the courtyard. Giving honorary treatment and lavish hospitality to all, the celebrations begin at 10:40 a.m. with a blessing from Monsignor Nalty and a formal pardon from Judge Lemmon. Hors d’oeuvres and specialty priced “green” drinks and cotton candy complement the festivities, which conclude at 12:00 p.m.
