Mardi Gras Parades Have Got Nothing On Super Sunday

This past weekend, OC’s Terrill Simecki and I hit up New Orleans for a couple of days. Aside from hitting up Terrill’s favorite local NOLA food spots, the highlight of the trip was being able to catch the Mardi Gras Indians’ Super Sunday parade and festival. The origins of the Mardi Gras Indians’ date back to before the Civil War when escaped slaves sought and found safe haven among the many different Native American tribes in the South. The handmade costumes and celebration are an annual homage to these tribes.

We spent most of the afternoon walking up and down Washington Avenue, checking out the parade (which ended up tapering off at A.L. Davis Park). At the event, the participating Mardi Gras Indian tribes, led by their ‘Big Chiefs,’ met other tribes and their ‘Big Chiefs.’ They performed colorful dances, chants, and other rituals. As part of the festival, each tribe’s ‘Big Chief’ tries to outdo one another in friendly competitions.


Above, check some of Sean and Terrill’s highlights from the Super Sunday festival—as well as some of their favorite spots in NOLA to chow down.Photos by Sean Risley and Terrill SimeckiHanging out at A.L. Davis Park with my PMW MFG Overlook Leather Flap Camo Backpack (available in stores and online soon). This is me eating a pastrami ruben sandwich at Cochon Butcher in my Opening Ceremony Palm OC Logo Sweatshirt. Terrill hanging out in Mid-City in his Opening Ceremony Palm Logo TeeTerrill hanging out in front of our friend Helen's house in Mid-City