NEW ORLEANS — Mardi Gras is a special day in New Orleans, and tradition runs deep through this historic city. The Black Masking Indians are a rich part of that history. Tribes of Indians walked through the city Tuesday celebrating Mardi Gras.
Outside of the parades, in the Milan neighborhood, a tribe of Black Masking Indians celebrated.
From the young to the old. Brendolyn Dolliole told WWL Louisiana,"I am so proud to see the young people taking over the older people passing away and the younger people taking over, it's amazing to see."
The significance of the Indians goes back generations. Golden Blades tribe Chief Derrick Hulin says each suit tells a story.
"The Indians take the slaves in for refugee; we're pretty much celebrating our freedom and also celebrating when they celebrate carnival, we weren't allowed to celebrate. So we decided to take on regalia of the native Americans and mix it with our own culture nada parade throughout our neighborhoods to give our people a chance to have a Mardi Gras," said the Chief.
He went on to say, "Some of the stories are native American based, they might be African-based, or Haitian-based."
"We intertwine all of that, so it's a big significance for us on Mardi Gras day."
The colors each Indian chooses is a story in itself, Golden Blades Spy-boy Emanuel Galmon said, "The inspiration really comes from the Aztec warriors; it's an Indian, but it's not our style of Indians, so incorporating that with our Indians being able to bring it to life, I had a good time doing that."
The Golden Blades stop traffic, with onlookers intrigued by this New Orleans tradition — a tradition embraced by a city rich in history.
Chief Hulin said, "When you see the Indians, enjoy the beauty... when you see the Indians coming, stand on the side and watch the beauty of it."
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