The Guardians of the Flame Cultural Arts Collective, accompanied by percussionist Bill Summers (far left), on Mardi Gras 2009

John Doe

Combining music, dance and elaborate costuming, the Mardi Gras Indian tradition is a conduit for cultural retention, bringing communities together to interpret their past, express ritual freedom and honor their ancestors.

Combining music, dance and elaborate costuming, the Mardi Gras Indian tradition is a conduit for cultural retention, bringing communities together to interpret their past, express ritual freedom and honor their ancestors.