Mardi Gras Indian music

Mardi Gras Indian music is a vibrant tradition rooted in African-American culture in New Orleans. It features energetic singing, call-and-response chants, and rhythmic drumming, often performed during Mardi Gras celebrations. The music reflects a blend of Afro-Caribbean, jazz, and blues influences, serving both as a way to honor Indigenous and African heritage and to showcase community pride. Participants, known as "Indians," wear elaborate costumes and sing songs that celebrate history, resilience, and cultural identity, creating a spirited, communal atmosphere that is both musical and ceremonial.