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Dancing in Congo Square, 1886. Mardi Gras Indians have been practicing their traditions in New Orleans since at least the 18th century. The colony of New Orleans was founded by the French in 1718, on land inhabited by the Chitimacha Tribe, and within the first decade 5,000 enslaved Africans were trafficked to the colony. A Mardi Gras Indian at a New Orleans jazz festival in 2011 Tulane Public Relations via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY 2.0. For much of their existence, the Indians Big Chief Demond Melancon hand beading a part of his Mardi Gras Indian suit. (C)2019 GILES CLEMENT/DEMOND MELANCON. In 2008, after Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, Melancon returned to masking. One of the most mysterious, fascinating, and colorful pieces of New Orleans’ cultural quilt belongs to Mardi Gras Indians, also referred to as Black Masking Indians. A unique and historic subculture of New Orleans, Black Masking Indians and their traditions date back to the 1800s when Native Americans provided safe refuge and a sense of Indians would meet on Mardi Gras; it was a day to settle scores." - Larry Bannock, Past President, New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Council. Masking Indian Indians Ranks Super Sunday Keep-N-It-Real Indian Videos. Mardi Gras is full of secrets, and the Mardi Gras Indians are as much a part of that secrecy as any other carnival organization. The history of the Mardi Gras Indians is one of challenges and triumph. Traditionally, Mardi Gras krewes (social organizations) were all white and excluded African Americans from their parades and opulent balls. Being part of a krewe has always been an exclusive experience. Some events are open to members and others by invitation only. *The Mardi Gras Indians are affirmed on this date (Fat Tuesday). Beginning around 1732, Blacks became a cultural foundation of New Orleans and Mardi Gras's history. The Mardi Gras Indians are as much a part of that secret society as any other carnival organization. The heritage of the Mardi Gras Indians is a long and hard African-based road. The crown is the elaborate headdress worn by Mardi Gras Indians. The Big Chief, the highest-ranking Mardi Gras Indian in each tribe, can have a headdress that weighs upwards of 40 pounds — some The “Mardi Gras Indian Museum,” located in New Orleans, is a testament to the importance of preserving the tradition. The museum houses a collection of costumes, headdresses, and other artifacts, showcasing the history and artistry of Mardi Gras Indians. The Future of Mardi Gras Indians. The future of Mardi Gras Indians is bright. The Mardi Gras Indians came to the world’s attention in 1965, when New Orleans girl group The Dixie Cups struck pop-music gold with “Iko Iko” (a cover of 1953’s “Jock-A-Mo,” by Sugar The history of the Mardi Gras Indians, is a long and hard road, starting in late 1600's with the Indian Village of Tchoutchuoma, which stood quietly and peacefully, in or very near the north gate of the colonial place of what has become the original Colony/Fort/Port of New Orleans, commonly known as the french Quarter. Once shrouded in secrecy, with little interest in sharing their traditions with the outside world, Black Masking Indians, also known as Mardi Gras Indians, have become celebrated icons whose music draws Grammy nominations and whose history and folkways command serious attention from scholars and media outlets, documentary filmmakers and major cultural institutions. The Legend of Mardi Gras Indians: The Mardi Gras Indians are a group of African American men and women who dress up in elaborate feathered and beaded costumes and perform in Mardi Gras parades. According to legend, the tradition of Mardi Gras Indians dates back to the 19th century, when African American slaves in Louisiana were inspired by Last weekend, Super Sunday was celebrated in New Orleans. It is the day when African American revelers, known as Mardi Gras Indians, parade through town in t Mardi Gras Indians traditionally parade on Fat Tuesday and "Super Sunday," the Sunday closest to St. Joseph's Day. Some tribes now also parade on "Big Sunday," the weekend in April between the The most anticipated Mardi Gras tradition is the Black Masking Indians, often called the Mardi Gras Indians. Black Masking Indian history honors the relationships and bloodlines forged between The iconic Mardi Gras Indians are as inexorably linked to the annual New Orleans carnival celebration as beads, boobs and booze. But beyond their sensational suits laced with gorgeous gems, fabulous feathers, and impressively intricate beadwork lies a rich cultural history dating back nearly 300 years. And, until fairly recently, this fascinating story was unknown to virtually everyone who We've all seen the beautiful costumes, heard the chants and beats of the drums, but the Mardi Gras Indians represent so much more than carnival season.Subsc The New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Council always has their Indian Sunday on the third Sunday of March, around St. Joseph's Day. Their festivities begin at noon in A.L. Davis Park (at Washington & LaSalle Streets) where the Mardi Gras Indians once again dress in their feathers and suits and take to the streets to meet other "gangs". Mardi Gras masks are more than just festive accessories—they carry a rich history and cultural significance. Every detail, Mardi Gras color and design tells a story, and the artists who craft
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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