The Mardi Gras Indians & Zulu

At a Glance 

• The Mardi Gras Indians and the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club both emerged from New Orleans’ African American communities and parade during Carnival.
• Zulu’s parade dates to 1909 and is famous for its hand-decorated golden coconut throws, one of Mardi Gras’ most coveted souvenirs.
• Mardi Gras Indian tradition traces to the mid-1800s, when Black Masking Indians honored Native Americans by creating elaborate handmade feathered suits.

On Mardi Gras, you’ll often hear “Here comes Zulu!” or challenges of “Humba!” While the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club and the Mardi Gras Indians differ in many respects, they both emerged from New Orleans’ African American communities and parade through the streets during Carnival.

Mardi Gras Zulu

The Zulu organization, a benevolent association, is best known for its Mardi Gras parade, first presented in 1909. Then, the parade limited its travels to localized New Orleans neighborhoods. In 1968, its route included popular tourist spots such as St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street. Now, the Zulu parade begins at S. Claiborne and Jackson Avenue and rolls down Jackson, finishing at Broad Street. Get a complete map of Zulu’s parade route. 

The Zulu Coconut

Want lifelong bragging rights? Catch a Zulu coconut, one of the most coveted throws of the Mardi Gras season. Members began decorating and handing out the metallic gold coconuts, or “golden nuggets,” in 1910.

Lundi Gras

Until 1987, the day before Mardi Gras was relatively quiet. The introduction of Zulu’s Lundi Gras Festival a few years later changed the game, adding a large celebration along the Mississippi River.

It’s an all-day affair with live music and fully costumed Zulu characters — the King and Queen, Mr. Big Stuff, the Witch Doctor and more — roaming along the riverfront. At the end, a second line ensues, with King Zulu heading to the Spanish Plaza to ceremoniously meet Rex, King of Carnival.

Where to See the Mardi Gras Indians on Carnival Day

To catch the Mardi Gras Indians on Carnival Day, meet at the intersection of North Claiborne and Orleans avenues. Routes can be fluid, often beginning from the chief’s home.

If you miss seeing them at Mardi Gras, catch a Super Sunday parade around St. Joseph’s Day in March.

History of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians

The history of this culture, one of the most significant and unique in the United States, is oral — told through songs and chants, much like the way stories were told by African griots. Most agree that the custom of Black Masking Indians began in the mid-19th century as a way to honor Native Americans, with whom enslaved people found refuge when they sought freedom from their mutual oppressors. Some returned to tell their tales of their union. 

Ostracized by the white New Orleans Carnival krewes and festivities, Mardi Gras Indians found a way to celebrate the holiday in their own way, with their own communities, by taking to the streets donning feathered suits, crowns and chants. 

In the early decades, the Indians used what they had to create their suits. They’d find bangles from discarded dresses or mismatched earrings to make their suits sparkle. Inventively, they’d use circular metal industrial cutouts to make their suits ring along with their tambourines.

Zulu & Mardi Gras Indians Today

Now, some 30 to 40 Mardi Gras Indian groups compete for recognition with their elaborately adorned, feathered and hand-sewn beaded suits as they ceremoniously meet and dance with other tribes.

It takes the Mardi Gras Indians all year to create these works of art, which, by those tribes that hold to tradition, are only worn on Mardi Gras Day and a few select occasions. 

The Mardi Gras Indians and the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club carry on their traditions because of strong community and family ties, and a passion for preserving this unique subset of Mardi Gras culture.

Jan Ramsey is the founder and author of Offbeat Magazine. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who are the Mardi Gras Indians in New Orleans? 

The Mardi Gras Indians, also known as Black Masking Indians, are African American cultural groups in New Orleans known for their elaborate, handmade costumes, rhythmic chants and neighborhood traditions during Carnival. Their history reflects Black cultural expression, community pride and connections with Native American peoples. Each group, often called a tribe, preserves its own traditions through music, dance, costume-making and ceremonial encounters. 

What is the difference between Mardi Gras Indians and the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club? 

Mardi Gras Indians are neighborhood-based cultural groups known for hand-sewn, intricately beaded suits, feathered designs, call-and-response chants and ceremonial meetings between tribes. The Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club is an African American social aid organization best known for its organized Mardi Gras parade, distinctive costumes and signature coconut throws. Both traditions emerged from New Orleans' African American communities and are important parts of the city's Carnival heritage. 

What is the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club famous for? 

The Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club is famous for its annual Mardi Gras parade, which first appeared under the Zulu name in 1909. The organization is especially known for its elaborately decorated floats, distinctive costumes and coveted Zulu coconuts, also called Golden Nuggets. Zulu has become one of New Orleans' most recognizable Carnival traditions and an important expression of African American cultural heritage. 

When can you see the Mardi Gras Indians in New Orleans? 

Mardi Gras Indians traditionally take to the streets on Mardi Gras Day, when tribes gather in neighborhood celebrations featuring elaborate suits, music and ceremonial encounters. Visitors may also see them during Super Sunday celebrations in the spring and on other special occasions, including St. Joseph's Day. Dates, locations and routes can vary, so check local cultural organizations and event listings before planning a visit. 

What is Super Sunday for the Mardi Gras Indians? 

Super Sunday is a major annual gathering celebrating New Orleans' Mardi Gras Indian culture. Participants wear their elaborate handmade suits, perform traditional chants and music, and meet other tribes in a vibrant display of craftsmanship, dance and community pride. The main gatherings are generally held in the spring, but dates and locations vary. Visitors should consult current local event information before attending. 

How can visitors respectfully experience Mardi Gras Indian and Zulu traditions? 

Visitors can experience these traditions by attending public parades and community events, learning about their histories through reputable cultural institutions, and following guidance from organizers and local residents. Remember that Mardi Gras Indian masking is a living cultural tradition, not simply a costume spectacle. Ask permission before photographing people at close range, respect neighborhood boundaries and event instructions, and recognize the craftsmanship and cultural significance behind the suits, music and ceremonies. 

Where can you learn more about Mardi Gras Indian culture in New Orleans? 

Visitors can learn more through cultural museums, community-led events and local heritage resources that document the history of Black Masking Indians and New Orleans Carnival.