One of the biggest events in New Orleans in March is Super Sunday. We are fortunate to often incorporate Mardi Gras Indians into our events to celebrate the culture and add vibrant color and activity to second lines and events, so we wanted to share the history and background of these important cultural ambassadors.

 

In keeping with traditions that date back to the 19th century, New Orleans Super Sunday is the Sunday closest to St. Joseph’s Day (March 19). During their processions, the participating Mardi Gras Indian tribes, led by their Big Chiefs, often meet other tribes performing colorful dances, chants and other rituals. Each tribe and their Big Chief try to outdo the other in a friendly competition witnessed by appreciative spectators.

 

Super Sunday is always the Sunday closest to St. Joseph’s Day (March 19th), in keeping with traditions that date back to the 19th century. The Mardi Gras Indian tribes process, led by their Big Chief, often meet other tribes performing colorful dances, chants and other rituals. It is exciting to witness the friendly competition.

 

There are over 50 Mardi Gras Indian tribes, and they have colorful names, originating in Native American tradition, and their chants and songs are rooted in tradition as well. The Mardi Gras Indians’ origins are believed to date back to antebellum times when escaped slaves sought and found safe haven among the various Native American tribes of the South. During the time these escaped slaves lived among the Native Americans they adapted some of their customs and later passed them on to succeeding generations.

 

The tradition of Mardi Gras Indians masking on St. Joseph’s Day dates back to prior to World War I. Catholic Italians were celebrating the holiday, which allowed the Mardi Gras Indians to celebrate more discreetly. Their night celebrations turned into a day parade on Sunday afternoon in 1970.

 

In the late 19th century, it was difficult for African Americans to be part of Mardi Gras parades and balls, which led to the creation of the Mardi Gras Indians. They paid homage to their Native American comrades by creating the elaborate feathered and beaded suits. The suits worn by the Indians are entirely hand-sewn, incorporating brightly colored feathers, beads and glittering sequins and rhinestones into a dazzling panoply of folk art. They are made up of a crown, dickie and apron. The beads are sewn together in a pattern on the front of the suit and apron to depict an illustrated theme, most often dealing with a historic or folkloric event.

 

The suits, which are only worn twice a year during Mardi Gras and Super Sunday (plus occasional special events like Jazz Fest) can weigh up to 150 pounds. The Big Chief’s headdress alone may weigh 50-75 pounds. Each year a new suit must be constructed entirely by hand. The suit is usually created in patches and the drawings are done freehand. Creating an entire suit takes six months to a year to complete.

 

If you aren’t able to catch the Mardi Gras Indians on Mardi Gras Day or Super Sunday, you can learn more about the culture at the Backstreet Cultural Museum or the Donald Harrison, Sr. Museum and we’d love to help you incorporate them into your next event! 

 

One of the most vibrant and culturally significant events in New Orleans each March is Super Sunday. At ACCENT New Orleans DMC, we are privileged to incorporate Mardi Gras Indians into our events, bringing an authentic splash of color, energy, and tradition to second lines and celebrations. To honor their vital role in New Orleans’ heritage, we’re excited to share the history and cultural significance of these captivating cultural ambassadors.

 

The Tradition of Super Sunday

 

Super Sunday is celebrated on the Sunday closest to St. Joseph’s Day (March 19), a tradition that dates back to the 19th century. During this event, the Mardi Gras Indian tribes, led by their Big Chiefs, take to the streets in a vibrant display of song, dance, and ritual.

 

These processions are not just parades but a testament to the enduring spirit of community and friendly competition, as each tribe showcases its intricate suits and performances to outshine others, much to the delight of spectators.

 

The Roots of the Mardi Gras Indians

 

There are over 40 Mardi Gras Indian tribes, each with a unique name that nods to their deep connection to Native American culture, including the Wild Magnolias, the Young Maasai Hunters, the Wild Tchoupitoulas, Bayou Renegades, and the Golden Feather Hunters. Each tribe has positions among its members such as Big Chief, Big Queen, Spy Boy, and Flag Boy. Each position holds an individual responsibility in the tribe.

 

Their chants and songs are steeped in history, reflecting a blend of African and Native American traditions. The origins of the Mardi Gras Indians trace back to antebellum times when escaped slaves found refuge among Southern Native American tribes. This shared history of resilience and solidarity laid the foundation for a vibrant cultural tradition passed down through generations.

 

 

A Unique Element in Our Events

 

The practice of Mardi Gras Indians masking on St. Joseph’s Day began before World War I. Italian Catholic communities were celebrating the holiday, which provided the Mardi Gras Indians an opportunity to participate under the cover of celebration. By 1970, their nighttime gatherings evolved into the daytime parades we know today.

 

In the late 19th century, African Americans were often excluded from mainstream Mardi Gras parades and balls, which spurred the creation of the Mardi Gras Indian tradition. They paid homage to their Native American allies with elaborate, hand-sewn suits adorned with bright feathers, beads, sequins, and rhinestones. These suits, often weighing up to 150 pounds, are folk art masterpieces that reflect historic and folkloric themes.

 

Each Mardi Gras Indian suit is composed of a crown, dickie, and apron, with intricately beaded patches sewn by hand over the course of six months to a year. The Big Chief’s headdress alone can weigh between 50 and 75 pounds, emphasizing the dedication and artistry involved in these creations.

 

Where to Experience Mardi Gras Indian Culture

 

Mardi Gras Indians showcase their stunning suits and culture twice a year—on Mardi Gras Day and Super Sunday—along with special events like Jazz Fest. If you can’t experience their lively performances firsthand, you can learn more about the history and beauty of their culture at the Backstreet Cultural Museum or the Donald Harrison, Sr. Museum.

 

At ACCENT New Orleans, we are proud to honor this legacy by bringing the Mardi Gras Indian spirit to our events. Let us help you add a touch of New Orleans’ rich culture to your next gathering! Reach out here.