Faces of the Marche du Nain Rouge

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Faces of the Marche du Nain Rouge

March 23, 2011 by Charlie Z

The Nain Rouge, an evil little spirit that has plagued the city of Detroit and its people for over 300-years, has been banished for another year.

Hundreds, perhaps thousands of colorful costumed, mask wearing men, women and children, converged at the 3^rd Street Saloon this past Sunday to rid the city of this menacing little red devil. They were joined by ribbon wearing dogs sporting bright sweaters, bicyclists pulling handmade, decorated chariots and curious bystanders from the neighborhood. After opening ceremonies at the Saloon (where the devil himself was spotted) the Marche de Nain Rouge headed into the Cass Corridor on it’s way to Cass Park for food, drink and revelry.

The lively, Mardi Gras type parade, was led by the 20 plus-piece Detroit Party Marching Band who played tunes inspired by the fervor and spirit of Brazil’s Carnival Parades and the Crescent City’s finest marching bands. The parade participants, in true Mardi Gras form, wore wild-looking masks and costumes to disguise themselves from the Nain, so when the little creature returns next year, he won’t hunt them down and cause mischief and upheaval in their lives.

According to legend, the little red-faced, dwarf sized imp, crossed paths with Detroit’s founder Antoine Cadillac and his wife while they were out walking one evening. Supposedly, the evil little red dwarf of Detroit shrieked wildly at Cadillac and his wife when he came upon them. Cadillac gruffly yelled, “Get out of my way, you red imp!” while striking him with his walking cane. The monster vanished into the darkness with a wicked, scornful laugh. Since then, the red devil has bestowed ill tidings and grief upon the residents of Detroit.

La Marche du Nain Rouge, held on the first Sunday of spring, banishes the Detroit devil from the city until his ghastly return on the first day of winter. Ridding the city of this creepy character transforms Detroiter’s fears and doubts into hope and happiness for a new life in the coming spring.

Judging by the costumes I saw while bicycling along the parade route this past Sunday, the revelers have nothing to worry about should that devil of a dwarf return next year.

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Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments

10 Responses

on March 23, 2011 at 8:40 am | Reply DC Dave

I’ve never heard of this buffoonery. Sounds like fun.
- on March 23, 2011 at 4:07 pm | Reply Charlie Z
  
  Hi DC-
  
  This prestigious event was a riot. There was so much colorful eye candy! It was the second annual Marche (in recent history).
  
  Charlie
on March 23, 2011 at 6:43 pm | Reply Laura

This is awesome. I had no idea that such a thing existed in Detroit and I lived there for nearly 30 years of my life! As a student of cultural traditions, I love this. It reminds me of the tradition of Mumming. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mummer)

It also reminds me of scenes from the movie The Wicker Man (the classic 1973 version, not the laughable remake with Nick Cage – who is distantly related to my husband). Of course, I assume no one is burned alive in the Detroit parade… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FdV-O8o7ok&feature=related
- on March 23, 2011 at 10:06 pm | Reply Charlie Z
  
  Hi Laura-
  
  The Marche is a very cool Detroit event that is full of energy, creativity and humor! From what I understand, it was an annual thing hundreds of years ago. It was resurrected last year and plans are to keep the tradition alive for many years to come.
  
  I never heard of Mumming, but looking at the site, it appears to be quite similar. Some of those strange Wicker Man characters in the clip you provided would have blended right into the Detroit parade. Rest assured, no living person was burned (that I’m aware of).
  
  Thanks for the info.
  Charlie
on March 23, 2011 at 10:58 pm | Reply toemailer

Pretty cool, should be a famous party!
- on March 24, 2011 at 8:50 am | Reply Charlie Z
  
  Hi toemailer-
  
  Thanks for the comment. Compared to last year, participation increased dramatically for this event. From what I hear, plans are underway to keep the Marche du Nain Rouge alive for years to come.
  
  Charlie
on March 24, 2011 at 7:54 pm | Reply Colleen

We saw it on Channel 4 so, I’m sure attendance will increase. We were looking for you in the crowd.
- on March 24, 2011 at 8:10 pm | Reply Charlie Z
  
  Hi Colleen-
  
  Yes, it has the makings of long term event that should keep on growing. I didn’t see any news organizations around, they must have been well disguised.
  
  Charlie
on April 14, 2011 at 9:32 am | Reply Lisa

I found out about the Marche via my “like”of Inn on Ferry Street on facebook. My husband and I had a blast and hope to bring our kids next year. We are always looking for fun things to do in the city.
- on April 14, 2011 at 5:14 pm | Reply Charlie Z
  
  Hi Lisa-
  
  Sometimes people tend to forget that Detroit has a lot to offer. Glad you enjoyed the Marche. It was a blast!
  
  Thanks for the comments and for reading my blog.
  
  Charlie