Gangs of elaborately costumed "Indians" parade through the streets at Mardi Gras time. Big Chief, Chiefs, Queens, Indians, SpyBoy, FlagBoy... it's all part of the custom. Elaborate costumes can cost thousands and weigh more than 150 pounds. St. Joseph's Day (Night) tradition.

Where did this originate? Did Native Americans shelter runaway slaves? Is it related to the Wild West shows that came to New Orleans in the 1880's? Is it a low budget version of the white Krewes that dominated Mardi Gras traditional parades? Why was violence such an important part of the tradition? The Super Sunday "parades" were changed from night to day in 1970. Why?

IkoIko (it is a song, turn your sound on)

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