Hundreds filled the streets Monday evening for the annual Joan of Arc parade through New Orleans’ historic French Quarter. Organizers said they wanted the event to convey the city’s spirited grit as it grapples with the violent New Year’s Day attack but still persists with beloved traditions.

She ran around in silver sparkling shoes, her faux chainmail tunic shimmering in the freezing breeze, maneuvering horses made of paper mâché, a giant green dragon, and sheep constructed from milk cartons.