Big Chief
To Be Named
The Big Chief leads the tribe out — the last to be seen, the prettiest suit, the one who meets the other chiefs. The tribe names its Big Chief on its own time.
Oddusee · New Orleans
Sew All Year. Mask One Day.
Tuesday, February 9, 2027 · Citywide · 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Until the tribe comes out · 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Day
Masking for Generations
It can’t be missed.
A Mardi Gras Indian suit is a year of nights — beads, sequins, rhinestones, feathers — sewn by hand for one morning. The tribe comes out at first light: the Spy Boy far ahead, the Flag Boy signaling, the Wild Man clearing the way, and the Big Chief last, the prettiest on the street.
When two tribes meet, the Chiefs face off — chants, drums, and the question of who is the prettiest. The tradition honors the Native nations who sheltered the enslaved and the neighborhoods that raised the tribes. Watch from the sidewalk, follow at a distance, and let the gang pass.
— Mardi Gras Day 2027 Mardi Gras Indian Tribe
The Council
Names and portraits appear here the moment the tribe confirms its council for the season.
Big Chief
The Big Chief leads the tribe out — the last to be seen, the prettiest suit, the one who meets the other chiefs. The tribe names its Big Chief on its own time.
Big Queen
The Big Queen sews beside the Chief and comes out beside him. When the tribe names its Queen, her portrait and her story take this spot.
Spy Boy
Flag Boy
Names and portraits post here the moment the tribe fills its council.
The Route
Where the tribe comes out and where the gangs meet — in order.
Map: OpenStreetMap / CARTO
St. Philip St. at Henriette Delille St., New Orleans, LA
The Northside Skull & Bone Gang rolls out around 5 AM and goes door to door
The Bone Men wake the neighborhood before the Indians come out — a tradition dating to 1819.
2nd St. & Dryades St., New Orleans, LA
Uptown gangs come out at first light and work toward Central City
The traditional Uptown meeting ground; A.L. Davis Park is a block away.
N. Claiborne Ave. & Orleans Ave., New Orleans, LA
Downtown gangs gather under the I-10 overpass through the afternoon
Tremé's crossroads — where the 7th Ward, 6th Ward and 9th Ward tribes meet.
N. Villere St. & St. Bernard Ave., New Orleans, LA
The Yellow Pocahontas and Monogram Hunters come out near here
Tootie Montana's block; the Monogram Hunters step out of the First and Last Stop Bar.
Algiers Point, New Orleans, LA
The Mohawk Hunters and the West Bank gangs mask across the river
Big Chief Tyrone Casby's side of the water.
The Day & The Night
Vendor lineup drops when it is locked in — food, drinks, and more will be listed right here.
After-party details land here the moment the tribe announces — venue, DJ, tickets, tables, and sections.
Location
Comes Out & Goes In
St. Philip St. at Henriette Delille St., New Orleans, LA
Get there before first light if you want to see the tribe come out the door. Keep to the sidewalk, keep your distance from the suits, and let the gang pass.
Get Directions →Stay Posted
Final word, morning of
Tribes do not publish routes — the word comes from the neighborhood the morning of. What is posted here is what the tribe chooses to share. Respect the suits, no flash in their faces, and never touch the feathers.
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Chauffeured black-car service for the whole day — the suits ride in comfort to the come-out and home from the after. Door to door, no parking, no problem.
Get Listed
Vendors — send your menu and where you’ll set up. Bars and stops on the route — send your parade-day specials. Promoters and sponsors — send your flyer, ticket link and logo, and your party goes up with its own card.
Sew All Year. Mask One Day.
Tuesday, February 9, 2027 · Citywide · 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Mardi Gras Day 2027
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