One question that is asked over and over by the new participants, every year is:

 What is a Mardi Gras Indian ?

Well the technically correct answer to that question is

Mardi Gras Indian 
n. New Orleans

Any of several groups of African -American men who dress as Indians with the customary feathers and beaded  hand sewn panels, which comprise a suit. The membership is organized by the "Big Chief which heads each tribe. Each group of men can consist of at least 12 to as many as 32 and participate as costumed participants in the parades and  other events, with the sole purpose of honoring the native Indians of the southern gulf coast. These Indians shielded slaves from their masters when the slaves ran away in the pursuit of freedom. In appreciation and to show solidarity with the Native American Indians, these groups parades each year.  These parades are usually held, in the annual Mardi Gras Carnival, on Super Sunday, (March 20), and St. Josephs Day ( March 19th)each year.

       The Chief is the only one in the tribe that can invite you to join. Basic positions of the tribe, are the Big and Little Chief, Big Queen, Wild man, Spy boy, Gang flag, and Medicine Man.  

What a Mardi Gras Indian Tribe is NOT !

Technically, while these organizations or groups, themselves, have referred to themselves as Gangs!, They are not!   

They are duly registered organizations with the city of New Orleans and the N. O. Jazz & Heritage Festival, as well as chartered as non-profit groups.

It is an insult for a non Indian to refer to these groups as "Black gangs" 

Also see " What is Super Sunday ? "

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