The Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Inc. has played an integral part in Mardi Gras for decades and has
continued to add fun-filled activities for members and visitors to enjoy while at the same time adding a boost to the economy of New Orleans.
The Zulu's Lundi Gras Festival began in 1993 from an idea by George Rainey of Zulu and Karyn Noles of the Audubon Institute. The purpose of this activity was to have an event along the riverfront the Monday before Mardi Gras Day involving Zulu's float characters and culminating with the arrival of King and Queen Zulu. Thus the Lundi Gras Festival was born.
The festival allows citizens and visitors a close up look at the characters of Zulu. Some of New Orleans's finest restaurants and caterers
provide food to satisfy the appetites of festival goers. Zulu memorabilia and other arts and crafts are displayed in the Zulu African Village. And of course, the largest second line ever formed featuring local Brass
Bands add to the event for the public to enjoy.
Oscar Piper and Eleneese Sims reigned as King and Queen Zulu the year the Lundi Gras Festival was established. They also played an integral part in the planning stages of the festival. Prior to the festival, King Zulu would arrive in the Basin Canal on Mardi Gras Day. When the canal was closed, King Zulu arrived at the foot of Canal Street on that day. The tradition began in 1917 when James Robertson reigned as King Zulu until 1993 when the Lundi Gras Festival was born.
Although King Zulu now arrives the day before Fat Tuesday on Lundi Gras Day the excitement has not changed in
fact, the festival event has grown every year and has made a positive impact on the economy of the Riverfront of New Orleans. It has also allowed citizens and tourists an opportunity to enjoy a traditional day of fun and
merriment the day before Mardi Gras.