October 31, 2011

2011 Backstreet Cultural Museum annual All Saints Day Tribute Parade to honor Collins "Coach" Lewis and all culture bearers who became ancestors this year


By Geraldine Wyckoff
Contributing Writer
The Louisiana Weekly

Remembering Loved Ones

Often, the simplest gestures, the little touches best express the love, joy and respect that people have for each other. In New Orleans, like no other place in the United States, we adhere to the tradition of remembering those who’ve passed on November 1, All Saints Day. People here tend to the graves of their loved ones by bringing flowers, perhaps a broom and a shovel and maybe even a picnic basket to the area’s cemeteries. They make sure that their families’ and friends’ final resting places remain in good repair.

Twelve years ago, a new tradition was born. The Backstreet Cultural Museum presented its first annual All Saints Day Tribute Parade, a small though caring affair that honors musicians, Mardi Gras Indians and all those involved with the culture who died throughout the year. Often, one close to the heart person is paid special tribute with photographs and memorabilia associated with their life placed on top of a simple, wooden, horse drawn wagon that is the centerpiece of the parade.

This year, Collins “Coach” Lewis, who sewed for the Fi-Yi-Yi Mardi Gras Indian gang and was active in numerous aspects of the Black street traditions and died on August 5, 2011, will hold that position of honor.

As is tradition, the parade, led by the Treme Brass Band, will leave from the D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 1716 N. Claiborne Avenue at 3 p.m. 

Read more about the All Saints Day Tribute Parade (including the full route) on The Louisiana Weekly website

FILM CLIP: "The Black Indians of New Orleans" (1976)



Enjoy a 10-minute excerpt from "The Black Indians of New Orleans," a half-hour documentary by cultural historian Maurice Martinez from 1976 that stands as the first in-depth film about the Mardi Gras Indians.

October 19, 2011

The Queens Council invites all children of the Nation to the Mardi Gras Indian Halloween Party!

Mardi Gras Indian Nation Halloween Party
and Costume Contest


Theme: Come as your favorite pop star!

When: Saturday, October 29th
Time: 4:00 - 7:00 pm
Where: 4625 St. Ferdinand Drive
Hosted by: Mardi Gras Indian Nation Queens Council

All children of the Mardi Gras Indian Nation are invited. Each child is invited to bring one guest.

RSVP by Monday, October 25th to Queen Gaynell at 504-782-7929

Please help spread the word among our families.

October 12, 2011

2011 Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Roll Call



Video by of 2011 rollcall at the 2011 Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame ceremony 

The ceremony took place on Sunday, August 7, 2011 at Ashe Cultural Arts Center in New Orleans.