Oldest video of New Orleans showcases Mardi Gras fun
STORY: This is the oldest-known video
of New Orleans and Mardi Gras
The film was found at the Eye
Filmmuseum in Amsterdam
One historian says it shows Mardi Gras
through the 20th century
DR. EVA BAHAM, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF HISTORY, DILLARD UNIVERSITY:
“You didn't go to Canal Street unless you were dressed up. So, you see this early on, and I'm sure that this was early on in the culture, in New Orleans, culture among all people. But here on Mardi Gras day, the people were dressed very well to come out to, to watch the parade.”
The footage shows how customs have changed
And that the tradition of
throwing beads came later
It also displays the socioeconomic
structure at the time
“All of these people who put this together, who made the floats, the, the African descended people who are there guiding horses. You'll see that they are dressed probably according to their lower socioeconomic standing and the people who are walking. The float riders are the powerful, the bands in the back there, some level down.”
The video is part of an exhibit marking
the 150th anniversary of the Rex Organization
