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Mardi Gras Indians, Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs in New Orleans

While traveling to New Orleans for the annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, I was especially excited to witness the Mardi Gras Indian groups and the Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs that form an important part of New Orleans culture and identity. The similarities to these traditions and Junkanoo in The Bahamas are apparent. It is interesting to see these traditions in a cross-cultural context. Any Junkanooer could easily jump into a second line and fit right in.

Mardi Gras indians Mardi Gras indians Mardi Gras indians Mardi Gras indians Mardi Gras indians Mardi Gras indians Mardi Gras indians Mardi Gras indians Mardi Gras indians _Y1A0241 _Y1A0233 _Y1A0212 _Y1A0210 _Y1A0207 _Y1A0205 _Y1A0194 Mardi Gras indians Mardi Gras indians New Orleans Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs New Orleans Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs New Orleans Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs New Orleans Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs New Orleans Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs New Orleans Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs

New Orleans Street Photography

My wife and I recently traveled to New Orleans to attend the annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. After living in the Caribbean for a number of years, it was interesting to note some of the similarities between the cultures. I especially was interesting in seeing the Mardi Gras Indians perform as well as some of the brass bands and second lines. No one I asked was familiar with Junkanoo in the Bahamas, even though the traditions have striking similarities. Walking around town, we gained a little glimpse on this amazing and vibrant city. It’s truly one of America’s cultural gems.

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