Disclaimer: Originally published in February 2018. It is being republished since it still remains an interesting topic till today.
Mardi Gras Indians are black Carnival revelers from New Orleans, Louisiana, who dress up in traditional attire allied to their tribe.
Communally, these organizations are called “tribes”. The groups are mostly independent, but a pair of umbrella organizations loosely coordinates the Uptown Indians and the Downtown Indians.
Their roots can be traced back to when American Indians helped safeguard runaway African-American slaves. The Mardi Gras Indians are among the most colorful and peculiar of New Orleans’ cultural spectacle.
Mardi Gras Day is a major day to find Indians as they flourish with the season’s celebrations, many of the tribes also parade on Saint Joseph’s Day (March 19) and the Sunday nearest to Saint Joseph’s Day (“Super Sunday”).
In recent years the Mardi Gras Indians have frequented their presence at other festivals and parades in the city.
These well-liked carnivals are in fact an important initiative to express internal social zest.
Also read: 5 Lesser Known Bengali Musical Instruments Which Continue To Rock The Music World
Image credits: Google Images
Sources: Wikipedia, NewOrleansonline, NPR
