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New Orleans Hosts a Very Different Mardi Gras

Matt Haines

   NEW ORLEANS - "Our Big Chief told us he doesn't want us out there this
   Mardi Gras because of COVID," Aaron "Flagboy Giz" Hartley told VOA. "He
   said it wasn't safe for our members or for the public watching us."

   Until this year, Hartley took part in a festive New Orleans tradition
   dating back to the 1800s, the Mardi Gras Indian. In a unique
   intermingling of African American and Native American cultures, scores
   of Black paradegoers don colorful renditions of some elements of Native
   American garb.

   "There's nothing like it in the world," said Hartley.

   February 16 is Fat Tuesday, which literally translates to "Mardi Gras."
   For Catholics in many parts of the world, the day represents one final
   celebration before the more solemn six-week period known as Lent.

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