Italian American St. Joseph Society Membership
Take part in the St. Joseph’s Day Parade and attend several amazing events throughout the year – parties, dinners, meetings and more!
Membership Options
General Membership
Open to Males & Non-Riding Females
$150 through December 31/ $175 January 1 – Day before parade
Includes participation in the following annual events:
- St. Joseph’s Day Parade
- Parade Party
- St. Joseph’s Gala
On parade day, dues are $200.00. A male member may march in the annual St. Joseph’s Day Parade. A female member may not march in the annual St. Joseph’s Day Parade. However, a female member who wishes to participate in the annual St. Joseph’s Day Parade may ride on a float designated by the ITALIAN AMERICAN ST. JOSEPH SOCIETY pursuant to the payment of a float fee in addition to the annual dues payment. See Riding Females section.
Riding Females Membership
$300 through December 31/ $350 January 1 – Day before parade
Includes Float Fees & participation in the following annual events:
- St. Joseph’s Day Parade
- Parade Party
- St. Joseph’s Gala
Maids Membership
Includes Float Fees & participation in the following annual events:
- St. Joseph’s Day Parade
- Parade Party
- St. Joseph’s Gala
Italian American St. Joseph Society parade maids are daughters, granddaughters, cousins and friends who celebrate their love for their heritage as an Italian American. They are the beauty of the St. Joseph Parade ages 5 to 25. The IASJS Queen, her court of provinces of Italy and parade maids display their beautiful long white dresses, flowers and Italian tri-color sashes throughout the parade. They are later presented with their Father/Grandfather or relative from the organization at the gala following the parade.
Other Ways to Apply
Check: Please print this form and make your check or money order payable to “ITALIAN AMERICAN St JOSEPH SOCIETY” and mail to:
ITALIAN AMERICAN St JOSEPH SOCIETY
c/o Dante Cortello
609 Metairie Road #4001
Metairie, LA 70005
If you have any questions, please call Dante Cortello at 504-376-4775.
Benefits of Being an IASJS Member
There are several benefits to membership in the Italian American St Joseph Society. For a nominal membership fee, our members enjoy the following:
Participation in a Great Organization
Our organization has a rich history and a wonderful national reputation. Over the past 40 years, we have grown into the largest Italian-American organization in the southeastern United States.
Our Annual St. Joseph’s Parade
We parade right through the middle of the New Orleans French Quarter for approximately four (4) hours in celebration of St. Joseph. Our parade consists of floats with beautiful parade maids, several bands; and our members. All of our members wear black tuxedos during the parade The majority of our members walk in order to better interact with the crowd. However, we may have other options for those who prefer to ride.
Our Annual St. Joseph’s Pasta Party
This event actually occurs the day before our parade at noon at the New Orleans Hilton Hotel. During this event, our Grand Marshal, our Queen, and our Caesar are presented to the public. There is plenty of music and wine. We also have the world’s largest bowl of Pasta Con le Sarde. All members are invited to eat, drink, and welcome our Grand Marshal, our Queen, and our Caesar. It’s a great way to start our weekend celebration.
Our Annual St. Joseph’s Parade Party
This party begins several hours prior to our annual St. Joseph’s Parade. This pre-parade party sets the tone for our parade. As the music plays, our members eat, drink, socialize, and prepare for the evening’s festivities. Wives and girlfriends are most welcome.
Our Annual St. Joseph’s Gala
This is a beautiful event that takes place immediately following the completion of our parade. For the past several years, we have held this event in the Grand Ballroom of the New Orleans Hilton Hotel. The dance begins at approximately 9:00 p.m. and the live band plays past 1:00 a.m. Our beautiful parade maids are presented and escorted by their sponsors. We provide drink mixers, muffalettas, and Italian cookies. Members are welcome to bring whatever other refreshments they may desire. Members may purchase as many tickets for this dance as they desire for the nominal price. Also, members may reserve entire tables for this gala.
Our Distribution Meetings
Each year, we have three meetings beginning a month prior to our St. Joseph’s Parade. This is a great chance for our members to socialize, have a few drinks, and begin preparing for the upcoming parade. The members are advised of the official parade route, our parade rules, the identity of the Grand Marshal, and all of the upcoming functions. During these meetings, members are able to purchase their flowers, beads, parade throws, and gala tickets.
Opportunity to Sponsor Your Daughter or Granddaughter as a Maid in Our Annual St Joseph’s Parade
Members may sponsor maids from 5 years-old to 25 years-old. Our maids not only ride in our parade, but they also participate In several functions leading up to the parade. There is a presentation at the Piazza d’italia, a luncheon for the maids and their sponsors, a tea for our maid court, and a presentation at the St. Joseph’s Dance. Most of our maids participate in our parade for several years.
Opportunity to Establish and Enjoy Lasting Friendships
Our membership is very diverse. Although most of our members live in Louisiana, we have many members who live in New Jersey, New York, California, Texas, Mississippi, and Florida. Our members enjoy relaxing and socializing with friends from across the United States.