I missed a couple of quick chicken chases, but managed to get several shots of Mardi Gras diving from a horse into a ditch. In Evangeline Parish, the Mamou celebration starts with a street dance held the Monday evening before Mardi Gras, with bands such as Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys performing. In 1961, representatives from Mamou and Church Point flipped a coin to see who would have their courir on Mardi Gras Day. The ride starts at sunrise just to the north of town and goes through the Coushatta Indian Reservation and then heads south back toward Elton. Courir de Mardi Gras February 9 Various locations around Acadiana. Church Point has not made a decision yet. Each of the newcomers must line up and be given a swat by each of the veterans with the yard long willow branches so they know how bad the switches can hurt if over used. [6] In the mid to late 18th century when the Acadian settlers of the Canadian Maritimes were forcibly deported by the English, many made their way to South Louisiana, settling what would become known as the Acadiana region. [4], Capitane and a courir disguised as a rougarou, A capuchon wearing Mardi Gras on horseback, A "Miter" wearing Mardi Gras dancing in a yard. In Acadiana, popular practices include wearing masks and costumes, overturning social conventions, dancing, drinking alcohol, begging, trail riding, feasting, and whipping. [56] The Mardi Gras ride throughout the countryside in cattle trailers pulled by pickup trucks. [49] By 3:00 p.m. the revelers return to town for a parade along Second Street. (federal) = federal holidays, (abbreviation) = state/territorial holidays, (religious) = religious holidays, (cultural) = holiday related to a specific racial/ethnic group or sexual minority, (week) = week-long holidays, (month) = month-long holidays, (36) = Title 36 Observances and Ceremonies [29] Once they are on the property, the revelers play a variety of pranks on the farmers and beg for food[26] for the communal gumbo that lies at the end of the route. [10], Although the tradition never died out, during the 1930s and 1940s it had begun to fade away, especially during the World War II era as many of the young men who participated were away serving in the armed forces. MAMOU - The music in Mamou for Mardi Gras weekend begins Saturday, February 22, and continues throughout Mardi Gras day. The Courir de Mardi Gras, an event that's held the morning of every Fat Tuesday, features adults on horseback riding from town to town (including Mamou) ceremonially "begging" for ingredients, to cook up a big batch of communal gumbo. Capitaine, capitaine voyage ton flag, tout le tour du moyeu. Licensing. View credits, reviews, tracks and shop for the 1985 Vinyl release of Musique Cajun: Le "Courir" Du Mardi Gras A Mamou - Louisiane U.S.A. on Discogs. Their young victims have the choice to either fall to their knees in a penitent position and say "Pardon! [6] A few of the traditional runs have whipping and penance as part of their traditions. An old potato, a potato and some cracklins. Cajun Courir de Mardi Gras in Church Point, Louisiana: Photos - OffBeat Magazine Mardi Gras plate !! Costumed horse riders. [42] The Church Point Courir is held on the Sunday before Mardi Gras, a consequence of the formal organization in 1961. Some towns have people on horse back, some on trailers and some on foot, and others use a variation of all three methods. The Mardi Gras come from England, all around the hub. The Mardi Gras come from everywhere around the hub. Voir plus d'idées sur le thème Mardi gras, Mardi, Costume. “What we fight for every day is to keep this tradition alive. [9] This determination to hold on to their religious customs and faith has been a major factor in creating the atmosphere that has allowed for the celebration of life, or "la joie de vivre," that is so characteristic of Cajun life and culture in South Louisiana. Saturday is all about the kids. The all-male Mamou courir remains faithful to the old traditions. The poor, at the end of long winters and short on food, would gather in groups and make their way from castle to manor house to beg for food from the wealthy, dancing and singing in return for the generosity of the nobles. The group mainly consisted of young men who were Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. Mardi Gras Run, Coushatta Reservation, Elton, 7 am . More Mardi gras cancellations. [42][43][44][45], In Duralde, an unincorporated village between the towns of Mamou and Basile on the southwestern prairies of Louisiana, is one of the Creole Mardi Gras'. [2] Dance for a Chicken: The Cajun Mardi Gras, a documentary by filmmaker Pat Mire, provides great insight into the history and evolution of this cultural tradition. It’s an early springtime renewal and is essentially a way for communities to celebrate and find themselves. These hats are still worn, primarily by men. See more ideas about mardi gras, mardi, gras. Gruenemann has uploaded 15084 photos to Flickr. [8] The tune is played in a minor mode not generally found in other Cajun music. Looking for something new and exciting this carnival season? Mamou hasn't either. The masks are almost see through, but usually not enough to discern the wearer's identity. Saddle Tramp Riding Club's Adult 59th Annual. The tradition started in rural south Louisiana in the 1800’s and revived again in Mamou in the 1950’s. Folklore. Courir de Mardi Gras, Mamou, Louisiana. Traditionally, the Mardis Gras were on foot, but today some adaptations have been made, such as the use of pickup trucks and the use of three-wheelers by some participants. See more ideas about mardi gras, mardi, gras. During the late 1940s and early 1950s the tradition began to be revived and in the 1960s got a major boost with the "Cajun renaissance", a grass roots effort to promote the unique local food, culture, music and language of the area. In Church Point the rural Mardi Gras is basically the same as it was in the old days of the early settlers. This Mardi Gras celebration is nothing like parades you see in the It's just Tuesday in most towns, but in a few Acadiana towns, Mardi Gras happens rain, shine, or snow! Check out the traditional Courir de Mardi Gras & Chicken Run in Eunice, Louisiana. In the Tee Mamou Mardi Gras, for instance, approximately ten people line up shoulder to shoulder over several rows and sing the song while slowly creeping toward their neighbor. This is a small run participated in by dedicated local runners who hold to all the old traditions of a run. [52] By the mid-1940s the courir tradition in Mamou had declined but was revived by Alfred "Fred" Tate, Revon Reed, and Paul Tate, proprietors of the then newly opened "Fred's Lounge". We've also reached out to several of the Courir de Mardi Gras organizations to see what their plans are. Faquetaigue Courir de Mardi Gras 2013 climbing greased pole-01.jpg 1,215 × 1,800; 432 KB. Mardi Gras Run, Coushatta Reservation, Elton, 7 am . Both groups hope to continue the Mardi Gras traditions in the year 2022. These traditions are traced to the Medieval Flagellants, who would hold processions through the streets whipping themselves and sometimes onlookers to beat the sin out of them. This strong link with tradition and community conviction to its maintenance, combined with local innovation, make the Tee Mamou-Iota run a unique and fascinating event. Their courir travels in a converted cattle trailer and makes its way into town for the festival. (South End - Mamou Courir de Mardi Gras leaves at 8 a.m. from the American Legion Hall on Main Street) Performing at the Traffic Light Cajun Tradition from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Live music from 1 p.m. until Mardi Gras riders return. The riders accept the authority of the capitaine, who sets out the rules before the ride begins. File history. [7][8] These traditions were carried to North America by European immigrants during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Cajuns, as they would become known to the rest of the world, have held on to many of their traditional customs, including their language (Acadian French became Cajun French), music, dances and religious festivals such as the courir. Each community in the Acadiana area celebrates their take on the traditional Courir de Mardi Gras. Tuesday, February 25 North End of 6th Street (North End - Mardi Gras Chicken Run leaves at 10 a.m. from Guillory Paint and Body on 6th Street. The Choupic courir de Mardi Gras differs from other courirs in that it does not involve the chasing of chickens nor ritual begging nor the use of horses as a means of transportation. The Capitaine usually rides on horseback, wears a cape and carries a small flag. The Tee-Mamou Iota Folklife Festival and the Tee Mamou Mardi Gras have independently canceled 2021 events due to COVID-19. He appoints his co-capitaines who, like himself, must not be masked. Courir de Mardi Gras, Church Point. The courir de mardi gras in pictures . In the Cajun Prairie Country of Evangeline and St. Landry Parishes, far from the crowds and bustle of New Orleans, centuries of history come to life each year as citizens revive old traditions and make new ones on Mardi Gras day.. A Fais do-do with live music follows the gumbo. [28] The end effect is a riot of color and pattern. Courir de Mardi Gras, Mamou, Louisiana: Date: Mardi Gras, 1990s, no later than 1996. The highlight of the day is the arrival of the Tee Mamou courirs riding into the town in a wagon after the route through the country. Some of the Mardi Gras revelers dance and play music outside of the American Legion Hall in Mamou before the start of the Mamou Courir de Mardi Gras on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017. Date: Mardi Gras in the 1990s, no later than 1996: Source: Flickr: Courir de Mardi Gras, Mamou: Auteur: John: Autorisation (Réutilisation de ce fichier) Cette image, qui provient de Flickr, a été importée sur Commons à l’aide du Flickr upload bot le 4 juin 2011, 16:35 par Infrogmation. [11] The imagery of the event is represented in work by local artists such as Chuck Broussard,[12] Francis Pavy,[13] and Herb Roe[14][15][16] and in the name and packaging of a locally brewed seasonal beer. COUNTRY MARDI GRAS – The Courir De Mardi Gras The tradition started in rural south Louisiana in the 1800’s and revived again in Mamou in the 1950’s. A crowd favorite is the Mamou variation of the Chanson de Mardi Gras. The Courir de Mardi Gras, which also happens in nearby towns―Eunice, Iota, and Basile―plays out like living history in one of America's most singular enclaves of culture: Cajun country. (WAFB) - With the stench of stale beer still in the air from the night before, the sound of a fiddle makes its way over the crowd, signaling the start of Mardi Gras in Mamou. All male riders on horseback and wagons wear traditional costumes with capuchons and handmade masks. These traditions originated in a time when most of the land and money was held by the upper classes. Mamou is also distinguished by its unique take on Mardi Gras. Mamou celebrates Mardi Gras with begging and chicken, not floats and parades. Elton Richard and Senator Paul Tate of Mamou flipped a coin to see who would have their official courir on Mardi Gras Day. $1 plate from dollar tree, paper cutouts taped to the plate for the eyes. Bold indicates major holidays commonly celebrated in the United States, which often represent the major celebrations of the month. Mardi Gras rolls on in Mamou. So when you called, you know I was ready as ready could be to mark this off the bucket list! Mamou is also distinguished by its unique take on Mardi Gras. Although it was defunct for a long time, the Elton courir was revived in the mid-1990s. Courir de Mardi Gras is Louisiana French for "Fat Tuesday Run". NOT the gigantic commercialized Mardi Gras event to be found in NO. Courir de Mardi Gras, Mamou, Louisiana. Courir run 2010 01.jpg 600 × 451; 473 KB. Today, it is practiced in several other communities throughout South Louisiana such as Hathaway, Iota, Elton, Eunice, Church Point, Iota, Carlyss, and Basile just the name a few. The Courir was revived in 2014 by a group of Cameron Parish natives. Meanwhile, the Mamou Courir de Mardi Gras is riding through the countryside, collecting ingredients for the evening gumbo. Click on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. They hold their run on the Monday before Mardi Gras, with its starting point at Andrew Cezar's sulky racing track. [19][20][21][22][23] In 2014 the HBO crime drama True Detective included images of courir participants and created a cult group whose roots lay partially in the rural Mardi Gras traditions. [26] In the early morning the riders or runners or Mardi Gras (as the troop and its individual members are known)[27] gather in a central meeting place. One of the Mardi Gras revelers climbs the flag pole outside of the American Legion Hall in Mamou. [7] They chase the children to "beat the sinful stuff out of them so they can be clean for the lent". Examples include the use of the burlap whip and the tune on which the Chanson de Mardi Gras are based, both of which are traced back to Brittany, a Celtic enclave on the Northwestern French coast near where the original settlers of Acadia were from. Although there are many variations, most still practice the time honored tradition with Le Capitaine leading masked revelers on horseback to gather ingredients for making the communal gumbo. Ils consistent en des exagérations, des mensonges et des absurdités improvisées, sur les aventures d'un certain Pascal. Captain, captain wave your flag, all around the hub. As Tee Mamou's courir comes to an end and runners ride into town on a wagon, they gather on a stage with the capitaine to sing their version of the Chanson de Mardi Gras, aka The Mardi Gras … MAMOU, La. Basile Mardi Gras Run, Basile, 7 am with Fais Do Do at 2 pm. [38] The shirts and pants of the costume are made by sewing together various pieces of cloth in a patchwork style. or "Nickels for the Mardi Gras'!" [3][24][25], People escape from ordinary life through the alcohol and the roles they portray in costume. This led to a patchwork style that has become associated with the costuming of the event. The horseback riders are followed by more participants in cars, pickups and trailers, some loaded with barbecue pits and live music. [29] The route of the courir ends in the nearby community of Iota, Louisiana. The Courir de Mardi Gras, an event that's held the morning of every Fat Tuesday, features adults on horseback riding from town to town (including Mamou) ceremonially "begging" for ingredients, to cook up a big batch of communal gumbo. [1] As Mardi Gras is the celebration of the final day before Lent, celebrants drink and eat heavily, dressing in specialized costumes, ostensibly to protect their identities. Sun, February 23, 2020 . Mamou won and as a result the Church Point Mardi Gras is on Sunday. Dance for a Chicken: The Cajun Mardi Gras, "Courir de Mardi Gras: The Strangest Tradition You've Never Heard Of", "Cajuns - Religion and Expressive Culture", "Dance for a Chicken: The Cajun Mardi Gras", "Chuck Broussard : Art on the Acadian Prairie", "Local Bayou Teche brewery releases beer to honor traditional Mardi Gras", "HBO's 'Treme' explained: 'Carnival Time", "Cajun Mardi Gras explained: Wilson Savoy on the costumes, music, masks", "Carnival Time for Treme: I Know Your Heart", "Let's Talk About Those Creepy Rural Mardi Gras Pictures on, "Steve Riley Live–Danse de Mardi Gras (Mardi Gras Song)", "Cajun Women and the Country Mardi Gras tradition", "When Sunday is Tuesday: a Cajun Mardi Gras Alternative", "City of Eunice, La - Area Festivals:Eunice Courir De Mardi Gras", "Where to Be in 30 Days: Experience an Authentic Cajun Mardi Gras", "CVMC: Pardon! Iota has an organized event, with Cajun and Zydeco bands playing on the main stage throughout Mardi Gras day. This region of Southwest Louisiana has been plagued by multiple hurricanes throughout the years, including total destruction by Hurricanes Audrey, Rita, and Ike. In 1997 a new addition was added to the festivities, the baking of the world's largest king cake. The Tee Mamou-Iota courir de Mardi Gras is one of few which has survived through the years without a break in continuity. As a result, Mardi Gras celebrations had been defunct for over a decade. The capuchons worn by Mardi Gras celebrants are completely unrelated to the pointy hats worn by the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), founded after the American Civil War, and, in fact, predate the KKK costumes by several hundred years. Participants at times wear "white face", a way that the Mardi Gras runners dress as "the other" and overturn social conventions and the world for a day. COUNTRY MARDI GRAS – The Courir De Mardi Gras. The next day a street party begins, in anticipation of the Courir, who have been riding through the countryside collecting ingredients for the evening gumbo. It follows the same route and its participants sing the same local variation of the Chanson as the courir in 1925. The city-sponsored downtown celebration is canceled. It’s actually a two-day event these days. Une vieille patate, une patate et des gratons. These costumes are also believed to have originated in Medieval times. Courir de Mardi Gras, Mamou.jpg 985 × 934; 988 KB. The traditional tune is sung by the participants, although the exact lyrics vary from town to town. And for potatoes, for potatoes and some cracklins. 31 mars 2019 - Découvrez le tableau "Courir Mardi Gras" de Mardi Gras NOLA Fr sur Pinterest. The rural Mardi Gras in Choupic involves a ritual chasing and flogging with willow tree branches. Et des patates, des patates et des gratons. It was brought to Louisiana in the 19th century. Traditions vary in each town with the way it is carried out. The Mamou Courir de Mardi Gras celebrated Fat Tuesday with their annual run on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017. IOTA, La. Originally the costumes were made from old work clothes decorated with cloth remnants and pieces of feed sack material, as many of the participants could not afford to buy material strictly for the event. Tues, February 25, 2020 . Courir de Mardi Gras February 9 Various locations around Acadiana. In 1993, documentary filmmaker Pat Mire chronicled the tradition with his film Dance for a Chicken: The Cajun Mardi Gras. Super easy! Les Mardi Gras vient de l’Angleterre, tout le tour du moyeu. Today, it is practiced in several other communities throughout South Louisiana such as Hathaway, Iota, Elton, Eunice, Church Point, Iota, Carlyss, and Basile just the name a few. This Courir is held two weekends before Mardi Gras day, however, dates are subject to change from year to year. The Chanson de Mardi Gras in Church Point has its own unique lyrics. Once a man is married, he voluntarily stops his participation in the Mardi Gras run. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License. Web Design. Watch the Courir de Mardi Gras in Mamou. For a listing of Cajun and Zydeco bands and Mardi Gras photos included on these Flickr pages, go to www.cajunzydecophotos.com Men and women ride together. Les "histoires de Pascal" sont un type de conte spécifique à Mamou. Your email address will not be published. Vient une fois par an pour demander la charité. Courir de Mardi Gras, Mamou, Louisiana: Date: Mardi Gras, 1990s, no later than 1996. In Basile the Courir was suspended during World War II, but was re-established during the 1960s. Once this task is completed, the Mardi Gras descend on the downtown area dancing and begging for loose change.[60]. At this point, in the spirit of frivolity, individual Mardi Gras will attempt to sneak onto the property. The ride will last for hours, stopping at homes and businesses for dancing and a chicken chase. The rural community of Soileau is located to the west of Duralde in Allen Parish, Louisiana not far from the Evangeline Parish, Louisiana line. Licensing. The participants come up to bystanders with an open palm in the traditional begging gesture, and if that does not work, they will try to dig into the pockets or clothes of the bystanders as a prank in an attempt to find the nickels.[39]. Many costumes and masks include animal features like beaks, feathers, hair, fur or tails. Courir de Mardi Gras, Church Point. The courir then gathers on the main stage with the capitaine to sing their version of the Chanson de Mardi Gras. She hangs out at D.I. Many of the traditional costumes are derivatives of the costumes worn in early rural France during the same celebration. Harvey Wilson | profile | all galleries >> Courir de Mardi Gras in Mamou, Louisiana >> Courir de Mardi Gras in Mamou, Louisiana (2006) tree view | thumbnails | slideshow Courir de Mardi Gras in Mamou, Louisiana (2006)