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With the popularity of HBO's show Treme, there is a new interest in New Orleans and Mardi Gras Indians. This site can answer many questions you have concerning this unique American tradition.

History and Tradition

"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, President, New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Council.

Mardi Gras is full of secrets and the Mardi Gras Indians are as much a part of that secret society as any other carnival organization. The Mardi Gras Indians are comprised, in large part, of the blacks of New Orleans' inner cities. They have paraded for well over a century...yet their parade is perhaps the least recognized Mardi Gras tradition.

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Masking of the Mardi Gras Indians

Masking as an Indian means designing and creating a new costume every year. Larry Bannock wears a hand-beaded and feathered suit of original design that weighs between 100 and 150 pounds. He wears this suit as he marches throughout the city on Mardi Gras day, meeting the other chiefs along the way (see history). At times, he removes the heavier part of the suit, replacing it as he approaches another Indian Chief.

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Big Chiefs, Spy Boy and Flag Boy

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 progression. Each Spy Boy has a method to signal potential trouble or approaching rival Indian tribes...by whooping, hollering, dancing, and using hand language. His observations are communicated to the Big Chief who, in return, sends a set of directions and instructions back down the parade progression.

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Super Sunday - St. Joseph's Day

After Mardi Gras day, the most significant day for the Mardi Gras Indians is St. Joseph's Day. Around sundown on this day, the Mardi Gras Indians once again dress in their feathers and suits and take to the streets to meet other "gangs." Also, the Mardi Gras Indian Council and Tambourine and Fan organization put on an annual "Super Sunday" parade on the Sunday closest to St. Joseph's Day.

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Videos of parading Mardi Gras Indians

View more Videos of Parading Mardi Gras Indians at MardiGrasNewOrleans.com