Window Wednesday

Gretna Louisiana - October 2011 - Gretna Fest

Art Comes Alive

We did a weekend pass at the Gretna Fest this year and were treated to one of the most magnificent displays of pride and beauty on Friday evening: The Mardi Gras Indians paraded thru the festival grounds and - thanks to a tip from one of the Indians who was staying at our hotel - I was ready to take their pictures. We were sitting in the lobby of the hotel when he saw our cameras and told us that he was marching. He's the pink Indian in the following pix.


They were preceded by the Treme Brass Band


The colors were brilliant.

















While taking the pictures I caught the sense of pride that the Indians felt as they marched in their beautiful costumes. I could see it in their eyes, hear it in their cries. I was in awe witnessing the intricate the beadwork in each piece. Each costume tells a story and takes nearly a year to complete: all hand-sewn. A quote from the above link says it all: To see the Indians in their suits marching, dancing, and singing is to see art come alive!