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Mardi Gras Indians call their krewes "tribes" or "gangs", [3]: 3 [10] which should not be confused with Native American tribes. Tribes takes their names from street names, ancestry and important cultural figures. [11] [15] [16] There are more than 40 active tribes, which range in size from half a dozen to several dozen members. [10] 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". "After Mardi Gras, you thank GOD that you made it." - Larry Bannock. The good news is Mardi Gras day is no longer a day to "settle scores" among the Mardi Gras Indians. Now that the tradition and practice for the Indians to compare their tribal song, dance, and dress with other tribes as they meet that day, violence is a thing of the past. A Mardi Gras Indian at a 2010 St. Joseph's Day celebration Derek Bridges via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY 2.0 Mardi Gras Indians in 2013 Derek Bridges via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY The Mardi Gras Indians are a group mainly made up of black New Orleans citizens from the inner-city. The society has a colorful history that’s well worth reading up on . Once made up of violent krewes, these now-peaceful tribes now compare their tribal song, dance and dress with other tribes as they meet that day. Big Chief Demond Melancon wears his Red Cloud suit amongst other members of Mardi Gras Indian tribes [+] during Mardi Gras 2014. In February 2021, the usual bustle of New Orleans’ Canal You can also spot Mardi Gras Indians on Fat Tuesday and St. Joseph's Day. You might even catch a tribe or two performing at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival . If you can’t make any of these beloved events or celebrations, during any given day of the year you can visit The Backstreet Cultural Museum or the House of Dance and Feathers 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 celebrated on this date (Fat Tuesday) in 1732. These African Americans participate as a cultural foundation of New Orleans and Mardi gras 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 an African based long and hard road, starting in late 1600's with the Indian 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 Since 1970, when they appeared at the inaugural New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Mardi Gras Indians, also known as Black Masking Indians, have emerged from the relative obscurity of neighborhood backstreets to become celebrated icons, with their music and folkways emblazoned on the cultural consciousness of New Orleans and beyond. On Mardi Gras Day, if you're lucky enough to see some of the Mardi Gras Indians, the first Indian you're likely to see is the Spy Boy. His job places him ahead of the Big Chief's procession. Each Spy Boy has a method to signal potential trouble or approaching rival Indian tribes with dancing, whooping, hollering, and hand language. Big Chief Victor Harris of the Spirit of Fi Yi Yi Mardi Gras Indians walks through Treme on Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020. "Mardi Gras Indians are secretive because only certain people participated in masking--people with questionable character. In the old day, the Indians were violent. Indians would meet on Mardi Gras; it was a day to settle scores." - Larry Bannock, Past President, New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Council Filmed in a gentrifying New Orleans, Michal Pietrzyk’s “All on a Mardi Gras Day” is an intimate portrait of Demond, who performs as a Mardi Gras Indian, as h Mardi Gras Indians make a new suit each year, which they wear on just a few special occasions. Jones’ 2024 suit, which he debuted on Mardi Gras Day, has an unusual design. Instead of a vest or Mardi Gras Traditions; Mardi Gras Indians; King Cakes; Bead Art; Mardi Gras Packages; PHOTOS & Rex rolls on Mardi Gras Day at 10:30 a.m. on the Uptown parade CONTACT THE MARDI GRAS INDIAN SHOW. 1920 St. Claude Ave New Orleans LA 70116. 504-975-2434. info@mardigrasindianshow.com The Mardi Gras Indian Council is continues to received its shipment of ostrich plumes imported from South Africa. These are the key touches to the distinguished and hand designed suit worn on Mardi Gras Day, St. Joseph Night and Super Sunday Festival. 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
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