The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

MARDI GRAS PARADES

PARADES FOLLOW THEIR OWN PRESCRIBED ROUTES OF ABOUT ONE AND A HALF
MILES THROUGH THE CITY. THE PARADES WHICH ARE FOLLOWED BY BALLS
TERMINATE AT THE AUDITORIUM AROUND 9 ( 9:00 ) P. M. ON THE NIGHT OF
THE BALL. FROM THE FLOATS DOUBLOONS AND PLASTIC BEAD NECKLACES ARE
THROWN TO THE CROWDS LINING THE PARADE ROUTE. FLAMBEAU BEARERS ARE
PICANNINY NEGRO TYPES WITH RAGS IN THEIR HAIR AND WHO CARRY TORCHES
AND DANCE ALONG WITH THE PARADE. THE QUEEN AND HER COURT RIDE ON
ONE OF THE FLOATS. BANDS AND VARIOUS MINSTRELS PROVIDE THE MUSIC.

Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans

Date learned: 02-00-1971