Like the Irish, Italians around the city will toast their heritage with celebrations unfolding over the next several days. Highlights include folk dancing, an enormous communal bowl of pasta and a mobile St. Joseph's Altar rolling through the French Quarter.

The events are hosted by the Italian American St. Joseph Society, and they’re free and open to the public. The festivities kick off on Sunday, March 17, at noon, near the fountains in the Piazza d’Italia (300 Poydras St.). Guests can enjoy Italian food and wine, and watch the ladies of the downtown St. Joseph parade perform a tarantella folk dance.