Mardi Gras was historically socially and racially segregated. Black Americans formed the Zulu Krewe to become a part of the celebration.

Yoonji HanFeb 22, 2023, 06:11 IST

Historically excluded from krewes and carnivals, Black Americans created their own Mardi Gras traditions.ullstein bild/ullstein bild via Getty Images

The history of Mardi Gras in America is rooted in social and racial segregation.
Krewes were formed as a way to reinforce existing hierarchies in Louisiana society.

The first American Mardi Gras took place in the 17th century in Louisiana, which was then a slave-holding colony

An illustration of the Carnival at New Orleans from 1800.Bettman

The first Mardi Gras krewes were invested in reinforcing the social hierarchy of Louisiana society

An invitation to the exclusive Comus Mardi Gras ball at the French Opera House, New Orleans, 1916.Public Domain

Early parade themes reflected the white elite's fear and desire to hold onto power

1875 engraving of the 1873 Comus ball at the Varieties Theater, including a costumed man with ape feet and a banjo.James Well Champney/Public Dmain

Excluded from krewes, Black men and women were often used as labor during the parades

Floats used to be pulled by horses and mules, which were often led by Black men.Bettmann/Getty Images

The Zulu krewe emerged in response to discrimination and exclusion

Steve Johnson was crowned King Zulu at the 1973 Mardi Gras Parade of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club.Porter/Wikimedia Commons

Mardi Gras krewes were not desegregated until 1992

Members of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club parade down St. Charles Avenue during Fat Tuesday celebrations on February 25, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana.Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

The Mardi Gras Indians commemorate the shared oppression of African Americans and Native Americans

Members of the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indians on March 5, 2019 in New Orleans.Erika Goldring/Getty Images

The Skull & Bone Gang carries a tradition rooted in African spirituality

The North Side Skull and Bone Gang walk the streets of the Tremé neighborhood on March 5, 2019 in New Orleans.Erika Goldring/Getty Images

I stayed at a cartoon-themed hotel in Pennsylvania for $150 a night. It was 1 minute away from an amusement park and had great food.

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