Zulu was a very powerful and feared tribe in Africa around 1820 until white settlers arrived at their land. The King disliked this and many conflicts occurred. This led to a struggle that eventually built up into war. In 1879, the British defeated the Zulus’ and all of South Africa was under the control of the British. The native Africans had almost no political rights. One hundred years later the folk stories and traditions have traveled to the United States and into New Orleans, LA where the story is celebrated every Mardi Gras in the Zulu parade.
The first celebration of Zulu in New Orleans was in 1906 with its first King Zulu. He wore raggedy pants and a costume that consisted of a “lard can” crown and a “banana stalk” scepter, and had a Jubilee-singing quartet in front and behind him. In 1915, the first uses of floats were constructed on a spring wagon, using dry good boxes. The float was decorated with palmetto leaves and moss and carried four Dukes along with the King. That humble beginning gave rise to the lavish floats we see in the Zulu parade today. The Zulu organization is proud of its standing in the local community and its national and international standing. The Zulu organization ahs been the subject of numerous television documentaries, news-prints, and magazine articles. King Zulu 1949 was none other than Louis Armstrong, which graced the pages of Time Magazine and many stories and photo essays have been done by many other international publications. The Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club Inc. is the every man club. The membership is composed of men from all walks of life—from laborers, City Mayor, City Councilmen, and State Legislators, to United States Congressmen, educators, and men of other professions. The Zulu King Cake is a representation of the history of Zulu and we hope you enjoy the spirit and colorfulness of it. Like they say in Louisiana, “Laissez le bons temps rouler or let the good times roll!” |
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