Mardi Gras traditions for many across the New Orleans area include hitting the parade route with family and friends to catch beads and other throws, but for one Villa St. Maurice resident, Fat Tuesday traditions run much deeper.

On Mardi Gras, Michael Jordan will suit up. He will put on his more than one-hundred-pound intricate costume and get ready for his day as the “Big Chief” of the 9 ^th Ward Warriors.
The costume is made his thousands of beads, dice and feathers among other items.

Michael Jordan has lived at Villa St. Maurice in the Lower 9 ^th ward for about 6 months, but his carnival traditions run much deeper. He says he is the first person in his family to be a part of the Mardi Gras Indians, but his beginnings in the group were a family affair.
He was just 6 years old when he says, “I told my mom that I wanted to have an Indian suit.”
So along with his mother’s help, he made his first one. He went on for about 3 decades as a Mardi Gras Indian.
“I started as a flag boy and I worked my way up,” says Mr. Jordan.
Jordon says it takes about a year to build a costume. As for his inspiration he says, “I get my ideas from God.”
His group will mask on Fat Tuesday, St. Joseph’s Night and on Super Sunday. Those are the only times of the year that he’ll wear his heavily beaded attire.
When asked what the atmosphere is like he said, “I know how Victor feels,” referencing the character Victor Newman from “The Young and the Restless”.

As for why he does it, “they come from all over the world to see us. One time some people from out of town were watching and a little girl asked for my autograph. That brought tears to my eyes. It gives you chills.”