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A seemingly odd part of this New Orleans parade culture is the inclusion of what are called Mardi Gras Indians. To the uneducated observer it might even seem like the African-Americans of New Orleans are mocking or culturally appropriating Native American culture in a way that is derogatory. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The neighborhood organizations offered social aid to freed slaves, such as loans and insurance, and used the second-lines as a form of advertising. Second lines were also used to honor members who died in their community, which launched the idea of second lines at funerals. Often, Mardi Gras Indians were and still are included in the procession. "The neighborhood organizations offered social aid to freed slaves, such as loans and insurance, and used the second-lines as a form of advertising. Second lines were also used to honor members who died in their community, which launched the idea of second lines at funerals. Often, Mardi Gras Indians were and still are included in the To gain a deeper understanding of Second Line Parades, consider exploring the following resources: The Backstreet Cultural Museum (1116 Henriette Delille St, New Orleans, LA 70116) offers exhibits and tours focused on Second Line culture and Mardi Gras Indians. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. Strictly speaking, the “second line” refers to the secondary mass of people—uninvited guests whom everyone expects to show up—who join the procession and follow behind the hearse, mourners and brass band. More generally, the term denotes a parade involving a brass band, Mardi Gras Indians tribe or second-line club. Mardi Gras Indians are African Americans who form “tribes” that hold weekly practices in bars throughout New Orleans and then march through the streets on Mardi Gras Day and other recurring Mardi Gras Indian suits cost thousands of dollars in materials alone and can weigh upwards of one hundred pounds (45 kg). [183] A suit usually takes between six and nine months to plan and complete, but can take up to a year. [n] Mardi Gras Indians design and create their own suits; elaborate bead patches depict meaningful and symbolic scenes. Strictly speaking, the “second line” refers to the mass of people—uninvited guests whom everyone expects to show up—who join in the processions, following behind the mourners and musicians (i.e., the “first line”). More generally, the term denotes a parade involving a brass band, Mardi Gras Indian gang or second-line club. Many brides pay homage to the Mardi Gras Indian tradition by including it into part of their wedding celebration. Whether, leading the second line parade or announcing the Bride and Groom at the reception – the Mardi Gras Indians are a show stopper. Step 6: Purchase parasols and handkerchiefs. No second line is complete without parasols for 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. SECOND LINE PARADE PACKAGE The Second Line Parade Package has you and your guests dancing in the streets with the Mardi Gras Indians to the music of a New Orleans Brass Band. A tradition that dates to the 1940s, the Second Line Parade consists of the first line, the brass band, who leads the second line of people through the neighborhood. Second-Line Mardi Gras Indian Johnnie Stevenson, better known as "Kool," is dedicated to keeping the unique African American culture of New Orleans alive. He has masked for years as Gang Flag for the Wild Magnolias Mardi Gras Indian gang. In New Orleans, young musicians brought Brown’s innovations full circle by mixing funk with the local styles—second line brass band music, Mardi Gras Indian songs, and piano rumbas—from which it sprang. Foremost among New Orleans funk bands were the Meters, who had links to nearly all of funk’s pioneering figures in New Orleans. Mardi Gras Indians: The Warriors of Black Mardi Gras. Another unforgettable Black Mardi Gras tradition comes from the Mardi Gras Indians. These groups, known as “tribes,” date back to the late 19th century. Their traditions honor the historic bond between Black people and Native Americans. The Art of the Mardi Gras Indian Suit 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". The Vibrant History of New Orleans Mardi Gras Natives & Second Line New Orleans is a city rich in culture, and the Mardi Gras Natives and Second Line tradition are some of its most vibrant 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. The Mardi Gras mambo, mambo, mambo Party Gras mambo, mambo, mambo Mardi Gras mambo, ooh Down in New Orleans Jock-A-Mo—Sugar Boy Crawford and the Cane Cutters Recorded by James “Sugar Boy” Crawford in 1954, Jock-A-Mo was a pop hit. New Orleans, Louisiana; March 25, 2016: Big Chief Alfred Doucette, a Mardi Gras Indian, marches in the Prince second line parade in New Orleans, Louisiana. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MAY 5th: Bride and groom lead wedding parade down the streets of the historic French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 5th, 2016. It’s also likely you will be able to see some Mardi Gras Indians during these parades. The typical second line tends to run through neighborhoods rather than along main streets and can march anywhere from 8-20 blocks, depending on the celebration.
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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