LAFAYETTE — Some in the McComb-Veazey neighborhood are celebrating Mardi Gras the Creole way.
The Creole tradition entails creating an original costume, and the process may take up to six months.
"On [Mardi Gras Day], it's hype because you really want to show people your art," explained Herbert Hughes. "Mardi Gras, right now, it's about art."
Hughes started dressing in costume as a kid, which, according to him, was more prevalent when he was growing up.
"When I see the Mardi Gras, I didn't want nothing to do with Mardi Gras," said Hughes. "I was afraid of them for a long time. My first year, I was crying."
Others who have also been masking for decades say they, too, were intimidated by the costume as children.
"One of my cousins told me, 'The only way to get the fear out is if you start doing it.' So, I started doing the Mardi Gras and stuff, cutting grass and earn a few pennies," said Alton Armstrong.
Now, those who live in McComb-Veazey are making it a point to uphold that Creole tradition.
"We're really trying to bring things back into the black community, and it's very important we pass that tradition down to the kids today," said Armstrong.
