Share this on:
 Facebook
 Twitter
 Tumblr
 E-mail
200
VIEWS
 
RECOMMENDS
9
SHARES
About this iReport
  • Approved for CNN

    • Click to view ljmagnuson's profile
    Posted February 21, 2012 by
    ljmagnuson
    Location
    new orleans, Louisiana
    Assignment
    Assignment
    This iReport is part of an assignment:
    Destination U.S.A.: New Orleans

    More from ljmagnuson
    More iReports you should see

    Masking Indian on Mardis Gras Day

    By ljmagnuson  |  Posted February 21, 2012  |  new orleans, Louisiana
     

    CNN PRODUCER NOTE     The Mardi Gras Indians are a rich tradition in New Orleans' black neighborhoods, where groups parade and perform in Native American regalia that can take up to a year to make, says ljmagnuson. The custom dates back to the days when blacks were excluded from the city's main Mardi Gras festivities. 'During the days of slavery, Native Americans risked their own lives to help African Americans seeking freedom from slavery. Because of this, the black community honors them in this way,' she says. 'Unfortunately, that is not well known outside of New Orleans ... where most people think of it as a bunch of black people in colorful suits during Mardis Gras.'
    - dsashin, CNN iReport producer

    While driving around today, traffic slowed to a halt. I was in Treme, in the Seventh Ward of New Orleans, and a gang of Mardis Gras Indians were on the move. On Mardis Gras Day, gangs, or tribes from all over the city converge in the area of Hunter Field to spend the day. The field has a long history with "Indians" and the African American community, almost back to the days of slavery.

    What do you think of this story?

    Select one of the options below. Your feedback will help tell CNN producers what to do with this iReport. If you'd like, you can explain your choice in the comments below.
    Be and editor! Choose an option below:
      Awesome! Put this on TV! Almost! Needs work. This submission violates iReport's community guidelines.
    More from this assignment - Destination U.S.A.: New Orleans
    On CNN
    He spit out a pearl after eating an oyster at Mardi Gras!!
    On CNN
    Teach a man to fish....
    On CNN
    The Blue Nile, a 'must' when in NOLA
    See all 69 iReports
    Add your Story

    Comments

    Log in to comment

    iReport welcomes a lively discussion, so comments on iReports are not pre-screened before they post. See the iReport community guidelines for details about content that is not welcome on iReport.

    Add your Story Add your Story