Fun Fact Friday with Special Collections

Today we are celebrating Black History Month and Mardi Gras with a look at a history of the black Mardi Gras Indians.

The Mardi Gras Indians are black carnival revelers in Louisiana who dress up for Mardi Gras in suits influenced by Native American ceremonial wear. These suits can weigh upwards of 100 pounds and are composed of beads, feathers, and sequins. The beadwork is done entirely by hand and some of these elaborate suits are displayed in museums around the country.

Fun Fact Friday with Special Collections

Today we are going to look at the former seat of Spanish government in Louisiana, the Cabildo.

The original Cabildo was destroyed by a fire, but the current Cabildo was rebuilt between 1795-1799. The main hall, the “Sala Capitular” was used as a courtroom by the Spanish government then by the Louisiana territorial superior court.

From 1868-1910 it was the home of the Louisiana Supreme Court. The Sala Capitular was the site of several landmark court cases, including Plessy v. Ferguson.

Fun Fact Friday with Special Collections

This week, we are looking at two collections that have some pretty cool items. Collections 111 and 111a are the City of Lafayette Collections.

Collection 111 contains records of ordinances, materials from the Chamber of Commerce, Bicentennial Celebration, and festival, maps of Lafayette and videotapes. The videotapes were nostalgia gatherings put together by the by the Lafayette Centennial Commission. All of the videotapes date from 1983-1984.

Fun Fact Friday with Special Collections

This week we are taking a look at some of the customs that are adhered to in South Louisiana for All Saints day.

For many in south Louisiana, All Saints and All Souls days are a time to remember those who have gone before them. For some, this includes performing work at cemeteries and graveyards. All Saints Day, also known as La Toussaint, is similar to the Mexican traditions for Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos.

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