Native American

The main lure of the Native American culture in New Orleans in their tradition of Mardi Gras. This has been one of the cultures main traditions and most well-known experiences. Mardi Gras displays the Mardi Gras Indian tribes within the parades and parties, being one of the oldest/lasting Native American cultural influences. Although a Christian holiday, Mardi Gras is celebrated around the world, by a variety of cultures before the beginning of the Catholic Lent season.   However, this tradition was not always a public event, it was held privately for more than a century before becoming public. In New Orleans, the Mardi Gras tradition is not just a daylong event, but carries on for weeks. To add to that, Louisiana is the only state in which Mardi Gras is considered a legal holiday.  

       

Mardi Gras Parade Route

The impact that the Native American culture has had on New Orleans is incredible, and easily demonstrated through Mardi Gras, a celebration that started so small, and has now taken over a whole season.  The native American religion in New Orleans was not a high rate, yet remains one of the largest impacts on the city.  

As we were in New Orleans we caught the very beginning of the Mardi Gras season, and were able to witness their parade.  The parade was full of life, color, and energy.  Form the knights riding horses, to Joan of Arcadia, to the vibrant colored costumes derived from the Native American roots of Mardi Gras; the culture was pouring throughout the streets.

Native American Dress for Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras Parade 2018

Information Provided by: Alyvia Schneider

References

Mardi Gras Indians: Culture and Community Empowerment. (n.d.). Retrieved December 30,

2017, from
http://www.louisianafolklife.org/LT/Articles_Essays/creole_art_mardi_indians.html

(n.d.). Retrieved December 30, 2017, from https://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/us-

            new-orleans-mardi-gras.