The Italian American St. Joseph Society parade and gala are canceled this year, as mass gatherings are prohibited under coronavirus regulations, the society announced this week. It's the second year the events have been called off due to the pandemic. The 51-year-old organization plans the parade through the French Quarter every year, and follows it up with a gala. It would have happened on Saturday, March 13, this year.

The society also serves up the "World's Largest Pasta Dish," pasta con le sardi, to the public, typically on the Friday before the parade at the Hilton Hotel. That event took place last year just before the city canceled the weekend's parades and parties. It was called off in 2021.