Costume

This child’s costume was worn for “Courir de Mardi Gras.” The tradition of the Cajun Courir de Mardi Gras was brought with Cajuns from rural France to Canada to Louisiana. The participants go from house to house begging for ingredients for a communal gumbo. Many of the original costumes are derivatives of the costumes worn in early rural France for the same celebration. The costumes not only conceal the identities of the participants, but also allow them to parody authority figures and society. Originally the costumes were made from old work clothes decorated with cloth remnants and pieces of feed sack material. This led to a patchwork style that has become associated with the costuming of the event. Whether it’s Courir de Mardi Gras or New Orleans Mardi Gras, the celebration is about traditions and community. In all of the six sites of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, the park participates with the community to preserve this rich cultural heritage.