New Orleans Black Masking Indians Celebrate Faith and Resilience on Mardi Gras

The centuries-old tradition of the Black Masking Indians embodies the resilience and perseverance of the Black Catholic community in New Orleans.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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In New Orleans, the Black Masking Indians, also known as Mardi Gras Indians, have a centuries-old tradition that embodies the resilience and perseverance of the Black Catholic community. The tradition traces its origins to the encounters between enslaved Africans and Indigenous peoples in colonial Louisiana, and the hand-sewn suits of intricate beadwork and feathers represent a story of survival, dignity, and faith. The author, a Black Catholic from New Orleans, reflects on how this tradition resonates with Catholic themes of suffering and redemption, sacrifice and hope, ritual and resurrection.

Why it matters

The Black Masking Indian tradition is an integral part of the cultural and spiritual fabric of New Orleans, and it serves as a powerful symbol of the resilience and perseverance of the Black Catholic community in the face of adversity. By understanding and celebrating this tradition, Catholics can deepen their appreciation for the diverse expressions of faith within the Church and the ways in which marginalized communities have found creative and meaningful ways to preserve their cultural heritage.

The details

The Black Masking Indians, also known as Mardi Gras Indians, are a group of African American and Afro-Indigenous communities in New Orleans who have been masking, or dressing up, in elaborate, hand-sewn suits of beadwork and feathers for Mardi Gras and other cultural celebrations for centuries. The tradition is rooted in the historical connections between enslaved Africans and Indigenous peoples in colonial Louisiana, and the suits themselves are a testament to the creativity, skill, and perseverance of the culture bearers who spend countless hours sewing them. The tradition is deeply tied to the Catholic faith, with the Mardi Gras season and the Feast of St. Joseph's Night serving as important markers in the ritual calendar of the Black Masking Indians.

  • The Black Masking Indian tradition begins on the Feast of the Epiphany, which marks the start of Carnival season.
  • The tribes display their new suits on Mardi Gras morning.
  • The tribes also emerge and participate in processions on St. Joseph's Night, March 19.

The players

Black Masking Indians

Also known as Mardi Gras Indians, these are African American and Afro-Indigenous communities in New Orleans who have been masking, or dressing up, in elaborate, hand-sewn suits of beadwork and feathers for Mardi Gras and other cultural celebrations for centuries.

Venerable Mother Henriette Delille

An African American Catholic who co-founded the Sisters of the Holy Family and is currently on the road to canonization.

Big Chief Allison Tootie Montana

A revered Black Masking Indian and fellow Black Catholic parishioner at St. Augustine Church, who was a master plasterer and designed many of the intricate decorations of buildings throughout New Orleans, including St. Louis Cathedral.

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What they’re saying

“When viewed through a Catholic lens, the tradition resonates deeply with themes of suffering and redemption, sacrifice and hope, ritual and resurrection.”

— Ansel Augustine, Author (americamagazine.org)

“Perseverance here was communal and generational: skills passed down, songs taught by ear and codes of respect learned in the streets.”

— Ansel Augustine, Author (americamagazine.org)

“This connected with the struggle for self-identity that Black Catholics in the area were trying to create and maintain.”

— Ansel Augustine, Author (americamagazine.org)

What’s next

The author plans to continue his involvement with the Black Masking Indian tradition, including leading prayer services at the statue of Big Chief Tootie Montana to bless the drums for the Carnival season.

The takeaway

The New Orleans Black Masking Indians stand as a living witness to resilience and perseverance rooted in history, community, and faith. Their tradition proclaims that beauty can rise from suffering, that discipline can yield joy, and that public ritual can heal private wounds, offering a powerful example of how marginalized communities can preserve their cultural heritage and find meaning in the face of adversity.