Carnival season may be behind us, but there’s still one Mardi Gras tradition you have a chance to see this month. The Mardi Gras Indians will celebrate their second-most important gathering on Super Sunday, March 18, 2018.
A Colorful History
The Mardi Gras Indians are comprised of approximately 60 “tribes” from African American neighborhoods around New Orleans. Their tradition of gathering in elaborate hand-beaded suits pays tribute to Native Americans, with whom African Americans have an intertwined history.
During the early 19th century, many runaway slaves sought shelter and protection among local indigenous groups. Later in the 19th century, as new Mardi Gras traditions began to emerge that often excluded blacks, African Americans created their own traditions honoring their native friends.
A Gathering of “Tribes”
Super Sunday is traditionally one of the most important days of the year for Mardi Gras Indians, second only to Fat Tuesday. Local groups come together to show off their new suits, dancing and chanting in an elaborate competitive ritual. Each year, members of the community create entirely new suits, which often weigh as much as 150 pounds.
The third Sunday in March traditionally marks Super Sunday, and the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Council has confirmed it will take place on March 18, 2018. The Uptown Super Sunday gathering happens at 12:00 p.m. at the corner of Washington Avenue and LaSalle Street, at A.L. Davis Park. The day’s celebrations will also include a festival at the same location, beginning at 11:00 a.m. and featuring local brass bands. Meanwhile, the Tamborine and Fan organization traditionally gathers on the banks of Bayou St. John in Mid-City to celebrate Super Sunday.
Pay Your Respects
This elusive New Orleans tradition is not often seen by outsiders, as Mardi Gras Indian gatherings are highly susceptible to last minute cancellations and changes in route due to weather and other factors. If you are lucky enough to catch their proceedings, it is important to be respectful of their traditions.
Mardi Gras Indians suggest respectfully remaining on the sidelines until any dancing and other rituals have concluded. Super Sunday is a day for the tribes to meet and greet each other, but once the ritual is complete, many members are happy to have their picture taken. Most prefer to be asked first!
Learn More About This Tradition
There are plenty of other ways to learn more about this rich tradition, no matter what time of year you visit New Orleans.
Many Mardi Gras Indians call the historic Tremé neighborhood home. It is also the location of the Backstreet Cultural Museum, which offers guided tours exploring many of the city’s African American cultural traditions, including the Mardi Gras Indians. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
You can also make an appointment to visit the House of Dance & Feathers, Golden Feather Mardi Gras Indian Gallery, or check out The Presbytère, located in Jackson Square. Part of the Louisiana State Museum, The Presbytère features a year-round exhibit about the history of Mardi Gras, including some fantastic examples of Mardi Gras Indian suits on display.
Make Your Plans To Visit New Orleans!
Plan your trip to visit during Super Sunday or anytime this spring. The weather is beautiful, the festivals are plentiful and there are many historic sites to explore in our French Quarter neighborhood.