Super Sunday, an only-in-New Orleans tradition, marked by Mardi Gras Indians

>>>Scroll through the gallery to see some of the costumes and styles on display only a couple of times a year less It's an only-in-New Orleans tradition. Mardi Gras Indian tribes put on their costumes and take to the streets to celebrate Super Sunday. In the heavily Catholic city, that's the Sunday closest to St. Joseph's Day. The tribes dance, sing, parade and compare hand-made costumes. It's an only-in-New Orleans tradition. Mardi Gras Indian tribes put on their costumes and take to the streets to celebrate Super Sunday. In the heavily Catholic city, that's the Sunday closest to St. Joseph's ... more Photo: Getty Images, Getty Photo: Getty Images, Getty Image 1 of / 35 Caption Close Super Sunday, an only-in-New Orleans tradition, marked by Mardi Gras Indians 1 / 35 Back to Gallery

It's Super Sunday in New Orleans and it has nothing to do with football or the Super Bowl.

The unique tradition in the Crescent City features Mardi Gras Indian tribes parading through parts of the city in hand-made large, colorful, feathered and beaded outfits.

During their processions, the participating tribes, led by their Big Chiefs, often collaborate with each other to perform colorful dances, chants and other rituals.

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The Indians trace their roots back to when Native Americans helped freed slaves escape before the Civil War. The slaves and their descendants chose to honor those who helped them by parading in tribes, in part because they couldn't get into traditional Mardi Gras krewes.

The tribes are led by a Big Chief, with lower ranks such as Flag Boy and Wild Man accompanying him and the rest of the tribe. The Indian song "My Indian Red" gives a full accounting of a tribe's hierarchy.

Their music and chants have permeated the city's music, with songs such as "Hey Pocky Way," and "Iko Iko," with it's references to "My flag boy and your flag boy" hitting popular lore and being covered by everyone from The Grateful Dead to Aaron Carter.

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While the tribes were once considered dangerous, almost criminal gangs prone to violence, those days are past. Now, they appear at Mardi Gras, Super Sunday, JazzFest and the odd private party.

Now, there are about 50 Mardi Gras Indian tribes who are part of the fabric of New Orleans.

>>>Scroll through the above gallery to see highlights of Super Sunday in New Orleans and the elaborate costumes worn by Mardi Gras Indian tribes