The Hidden Struggle for Identity in Mardi Gras Indian Traditions The Mardi Gras Indians, also known as Black Masking Indians, are a staple of New Orleans' Carnival celebrations.
Their elaborate suits and rituals have captivated audiences for decades, but beneath the surface lies a complex web of history, identity, and community.
Mardi Gras Indian culture has its roots in the 1800s, when enslaved African Americans took refuge with Native American tribes along the Mississippi River.