Tulane Student Honors New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Tradition

Terrence Cormier designs intricate suits to celebrate the city's rich cultural heritage.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:04am

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Tulane University student Terrence Cormier has been immersed in New Orleans' Mardi Gras Indian culture since he was 13 years old. He now designs elaborate, hand-beaded suits that pay homage to the city's African, Native American, and local traditions. Cormier's girlfriend, Angelica Petit, helps him create the suits, which bring joy to the community and connect them to their cultural roots.

Why it matters

The Mardi Gras Indian tradition dates back generations and is a vital part of New Orleans' cultural identity. By continuing this practice, young people like Cormier are preserving an important legacy and sharing it with the wider community.

The details

Cormier started sewing Mardi Gras Indian suits as a hobby at the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music. He was mentored by Mardi Gras Indian Spy Boy Gregory Sellers, who passed away before Cormier could complete his first suit. Cormier went on to make his own suits two years later and is now a Flag Boy for the Golden Feather Hunters. He draws inspiration from flowers, butterflies, and pastel colors for his designs, sometimes getting input from his family. Cormier's girlfriend, Angelica Petit, helps him create the suits, which she sees as a way to honor her late great-grandmother, a renowned Mardi Gras costume designer.

  • Mardi Gras Indians dress in their suits and feathers to meet with other 'gangs' on Super Sunday, which falls on the third Sunday of March around St. Joseph's Day.
  • Designers start making suits a day or two after the last Mardi Gras or event, in preparation for the next year's festivities.

The players

Terrence Cormier

A Tulane University student and New Orleans native who has been involved with Mardi Gras Indian culture since he was 13 years old and now designs elaborate, hand-beaded suits that pay homage to the city's African, Native American, and local traditions.

Gregory Sellers

A Mardi Gras Indian Spy Boy who mentored Cormier and helped him start sewing Mardi Gras Indian suits.

Angelica Petit

Cormier's girlfriend, a New Orleans native who helps him create the Mardi Gras Indian suits as a way to honor her late great-grandmother, a renowned Mardi Gras costume designer.

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What they’re saying

“The tradition in whole is something that really honors those who come before us … It also speaks to the relationship between Africans, enslaved Africans and the Indigenous people of New Orleans and Louisiana.”

— Terrence Cormier, Tulane University student

“When you see people's faces and their reactions to the amount of work and the beautiful culture, it just brings smiles to people's faces. Kids will run up to me and … want to hug me … see the pieces on the suit and touch and play with it.”

— Terrence Cormier, Tulane University student

“This is what she did for a living. This is how I feel close to her and connect with her.”

— Angelica Petit, Cormier's girlfriend

The takeaway

By continuing the Mardi Gras Indian tradition, young people like Terrence Cormier are preserving an important part of New Orleans' cultural heritage and sharing it with the wider community. The intricate, hand-beaded suits they create not only honor the city's African, Native American, and local roots, but also bring joy and connection to those who experience the vibrant celebrations.