DETROIT, MI - The Nain Rouge is losing, but Detroit's harbinger of doom is back this spring to mock the positive change transforming the city.

From the end of bankruptcy to revitalized city leadership and a growing restaurant scene, Detroit has made remarkable progress since the Nain was ushered away one year ago. The good news is tough for the Nain, a legendary red dwarf known for appearing at Detroit's worst moments to taunt residents and supporters.

Legend says the Nain first appeared in a dream of Detroit founder Antoine de Cadillac. While warned this was an ill sign, Cadillac chased away the Nain and founded a settlement that would become one of the world's great cities. The story is symbolic of Detroit's historic courage and endurance, even during difficult times.

But the Nain also endures. He's a symbol of what holds Detroit back from its greatest potential. Stories say he was spotted at the historic fires that leveled the city. Today, he mocks efforts to rebuild and transform a Detroit that had hit rock bottom. But he's also become a rallying figure for people intent on overcoming the Nain's despair. Detroiters answer the Nain each spring with a parade to celebrate the city's enduring spirit and positive transformation.

This year more than 5,000 people are expected at the "Marche du Nain Rouge" on Sunday, March 22 in Detroit's Midtown. The Marche proper begins at 1 p.m. from the parking lot of Traffic Jam & Snug, 511 W. Canfield St., and parades to the Masonic Temple down Second Avenue. Revelers are encouraged to wear masks or full costumes, and groups can build DIY chariots to compete for prizes. There's no cost to participate.

As for the Nain, he's officially back. The red devil has been active on social media in recent weeks doing what he does: taunting Detroiters bringing positive, hopeful and productive energy to the city. Here's a few examples from @NainRouge:

.@TEDxDetroit I'm a cool creator — Chief Architect of #Detroit’s Despair and Discontent. Can I give a talk this year? — Nain Rouge (@NainRouge) March 12, 2015

Dear #Detroit, I am The Itch You Can’t Scratch, the Cockroach that Will Survive Detroit’s Implosion. — Nain Rouge (@NainRouge) March 11, 2015

Q&A

To preview the March 22 parade, MLive Detroit worked through Marche organizers to secure an interview with the Nain about his thoughts on the city and all of the positive change we're seeing. Here are the surly responses of a harbinger of doom who feels his grip slipping:

What have you been up to in 2014?

After bankruptcy I thought it would be fun to take a more subtle, more personal approach. I asked myself, how could I burrow inside Detroiters' heads and wipe my feet on their brains? It took a minute, I mean since the bankruptcy was so effective, to even remember how to worm around in the background rather than stomp around with a bullhorn, but I think you'll be impressed with my latest plan to tear this city apart. It will be familiar and disconcerting, like seeing your best friend be punched and then realizing it was you that did the punching ...

The bankruptcy seemed to work out well for the city. How did you let that happen?

Work well? You think? It was the long way around, but if I had skipped the bankruptcy part and just went directly to $45 parking tickets, you would have resisted.

What do you think of the positive energy the neighborhoods are bringing to the parade this year?

I have heard that some of you saps are trying to inject neighborhood pride into that stupid parade this year. If anyone cared about the neighborhoods in Detroit, they wouldn't be the way they are.

And what are these neighbors going to bring, exactly? Corktown: Mustache wax? Midtown: Hipsters? The Villages: Tofurkey kebabs? Lafayette Park: Mid-century modern accessories? Eastern Market: Lamb carcasses? Actually, that would be kind of awesome. Bring the lamb carcasses.

And people like to talk about the potential this city has -- yeah the infinite potential to fail. Oh I know, I'm sure you're gonna say, "But things are changing, and there really is pride coming back into the city." We'll see about that.

How do you feel about the city's growing restaurant scene?

It has been a boon to my car thievery. Plus I can't wait to try out my new artisanal botulism.

If you weren't the Nain, what would you do?

Oh cut the crap. I'm tired of you asking that. I'm the legendary Nain Rouge of Detroit. The Harbinger of Doom. The living embodiment of everything that holds Detroit back. The Red Prince of Detroiter's Persecution, Cadillac's Folly, a twisted stew of intolerance and fear and frustration, the utter antithesis of hope, the Architect of Detroit's Despair and the Author of Detroit's Discontent. I've told you over and over, I don't care that I would be "amongst friends who share a similar disposition." I will not, no matter how many times you ask or hint, I will not considering writing for MLive.

Help support Detroit against the Nain Rouge on Sunday, March 22 in Midtown. Revelers gather in the parking lot of Traffic Jam and Snug in the morning, and the Marche du Nain Rouge begins proper at 1 p.m. More info here.