Soul of New Orleans
The New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Council (NOMGIC) is an assembly of tribes. We are chiefs from over a dozen neighborhoods uniting to create programming that benefits New Orleans’ youth. Together, we promote social and community activities that enhance and preserve the rich history and traditions of the Mardi Gras Indians.
Historically, tribes were independent and often rivals. Realizing the importance of unity and preservation of the Mardi Gras Indian history and tradition, several tribes came together in 1980, and the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Council was born.
The NOMGIC is a 501-3c nonprofit organization that represents the majority of today’s tribes.
Mardi Gras Indians
New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians are African American men, women and children who are members of various tribes throughout the city. Their celebrations of culture and heritage behind Native American masks pay homage to the Native Americans that helped African Americans as they escaped slavery.
Tribes
In the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian culture, a tribe is composed of a group of African American men, women and children who mask in their hand-sewn suits during the Mardi Gras and festival season. This city is home to more than 40 distinct tribes, usually divided by territory. Tribes have a hierarchy with specific roles like Wild Man, Spy Boy, Flag Boy, Queen, Second Chief and Big Chief.
Suits
Mardi Gras Indians are best known for their handmade suits. Each year, Indians devote huge amounts of time and money creating radiant new suits using beads, sequins and stones. Suits can also have drawings and other artwork accented by feathers, Mirabeau, boas and other trimmings.
St. Joseph's Night
The tradition of Mardi Gras Indian masking on St. Joseph’s Night, March 19th, began before World War I. Catholic Italians celebrating the holiday allowed the Mardi Gras Indians to celebrate in their neighborhoods during this event.
Super Sunday
In New Orleans, Super Sunday has a different meaning than the rest of America. Here, in a tradition dating back to the 19th century, it is a time for Mardi Gras Indians to show the city the result of a year’s worth of hard work and craftsmanship.
During the Indians’ strut, the participating Mardi Gras Indians led by their Big Chiefs meet each other in chants and dance. Tribes try to outdo other tribes in a friendly competition witnessed by spectators from all over the city and world. All Super Sunday events are free and open to the public.
The largest and most popular is Super Sunday Festival on the 3rd Saturday in March at A.L. Davis Park. The event, sponsored by the NOMGIC, begins at noon at A.L. Davis Park. The tribes strut from the park to LaSalle, then Martin Luther King Blvd., South Claiborne Ave., Washington Ave. and back to A.L. Davis Park.
Other events are Super Sunday at Bayou St. John/Orleans Ave in Mid‐City. West Fest (McDonough Park – Algiers)
