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Behind
the luxurious extravaganza of the famous Mardi
Gras in New Orleans on the desolate back streets,
devastated by Katrina, survives one of the most
ancestral and hidden celebrations of the African-American
population: “The
Mardi Gras Indian”.
The
Mardi Gras Indians date back to the time of slavery
as a tribute to the Native American tribes in
Lousiana sho helped slaves runaway from the plantations
seeking their freedom.
Dressed
in splendorous costumes of bright feathers, the
Indian Chiefs reenact with rituals and songs the
roots and historical struggles of their community.
These
trituals and songs are one of the main sources
of contemporary jazz music of New Orleans.
Nevertheless,
this tradition, a cultural heritage of United
States, is running the risk of disappearing due
to racism and the displacement created by Hurricane
Katrina.
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