Mardi Gras Indians 2:2

A Mardi Gras Indian parade provides the opportunity for Indians to display their art, culture, and traditions through costumes, songs, chants, and dances. Parades are unorganized and consist of mock battles between tribes (but there is an implicit order in the apparent confusion). The Spy Boy leads the tribe and signals to the Flag Boy when another tribe is coming. The Flag Boy then communicates to the Big Chief of the oncoming tribe. The communication through the tribe allows the Big Chief to prepare for the street meeting.

At the Backstreet Cultural Museum, we have the largest known permanent collection of Mardi Gras Indian suits that boldly display the artistry of the Mardi Gras Indian craft. The Backstreet Cultural Museum also hosts events to explore the history of and to help cultivate these traditions. Our video library contains scenes of a wide array of Mardi Gras Indians on the streets Mardi Gras Day, St. Joseph’s Day, “Super Sunday,” and at jazz funerals (other traditional days for Mardi Gras Indians to parade in costume).


Traditionally, a new costume must be created every year for each Indian. A single costume can weigh over 150 pounds and takes all year to complete. The distinction between Uptown and Downtown Indians can be seen through the materials used for Indian suits and their choice of design. Mardi Gras Indian tribes typically include these positions, each with their own roles:
Big Chief Wild Man Spy Boys / Girls Runners Medicine Man	Witch Doctor Flag Boys / Girls Big Queen Lil’ Chief Second Scout Street informants
A Mardi Gras Indian parade provides the opportunity for Indians to display their art, culture, and traditions through costumes, songs, chants, and dances. Parades are unorganized and consist of mock battles between tribes (but there is an implicit order in the apparent confusion). The Spy Boy leads the tribe and signals to the Flag Boy when another tribe is coming. The Flag Boy then communicates to the Big Chief of the oncoming tribe. The communication through the tribe allows the Big Chief to prepare for the street meeting. At the Backstreet Cultural Museum, we have the largest known permanent collection of Mardi Gras Indian suits that boldly display the artistry of the Mardi Gras Indian craft. The Backstreet Cultural Museum also hosts events to explore the history of and to help cultivate these traditions. Our video library contains scenes of a wide array of Mardi Gras Indians on the streets Mardi Gras Day, St. Joseph’s Day, “Super Sunday,” and at jazz funerals (other traditional days for Mardi Gras Indians to parade in costume).