Passed Loyola Event

            Treme’s Underground Carnival was an event on Loyolas campus where Dr. Kim Vaz and two members from the skeleton gang spoke about historical and traditional New Orleans culture. This is relevant because the history described by Dr. Kim Vaz and the members of the Skeleton gang reveal the grass roots from which present New Orleans culture formed.

            Dr. Kim Vaz spoke about the Baby Doll tradition in New Orleans. This is a tradition that originated with prostitutes who worked in the New Orleans red light district. Basically, for festivities, these African American prostitutes all dressed up as Baby Dolls. Apparently, this tradition took off as it has expanded from the black prostitutes that started it to regular people and is a tradition that is continued through to this day.

Skull and Bones Gang

            The two members from the Skeleton gang talked about their roles in the Mardi Gras traditions. Apparently, they are out on fat Tuesday knocking on doors, dancing in the streets and terrifying young kids to be good citizens in the city (by doing homework, obeying parents, being good in general). Also, they said that their gang is supposed to represent Baron Samedi and his position as the guardian of the crossroads between life and death (living, dancing skeletons, a hybrid of life and death).

            This is relevant to several topics covered in class. First of all, the Skeleton gang reflects the African rooted religions and voodoo that exists in New Orleans. Referring to Papa Gede and dressing as skeletons, which is common elsewhere in the Caribbean and South America, is directly related to New Orleans voodoo.