© 2025 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY
WEDW-FM · WNPR · WPKT · WRLI-FM
Public Files Contact · ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Inside Black New Orleans' Most Sacred Ritual

Season 1 Episode 3 | 13m 31s

The centuries old traditions of the Black Masking Indians continue to thrive in New Orleans with the most iconic being Super Sunday. Most outsiders stand in awe of Mardi Gras Indians’ elaborate suits, but due to the secrecy of this ritual few understand its origins. Join Tank Ball as she meets Masking Indians and explores one of the most sacred rituals in New Orleans.

Aired: 04/17/23
Funding for RITUAL is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Extras
Grantchester Season 10 premieres Sunday, June 15, 9/8c on MASTERPIECE on PBS.
On the plains of South Africa, an army of dung beetles recycle the dung of large mammals.
Ummat Somjee goes to Thailand to observe the cultural tradition of fighting beetles.
The cast of Girl From The North Country performs "Like A Rolling Stone."
Joe Scott (Austin Scott) performs Bob Dylan's "Hurricane."
Go behind the curtain of the Tony-winning "Girl from the North Country."
An intimate portrayal of three families confronting the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s.
Gavin Svenson heads to the Brazilian rainforest to sample the diversity of mantises.
Dragonfly expert Jessica Ware heads to Guyuna to sample dragonfly diversity.
Nancy’s wedding plans take a surprising turn. Sister Catherine takes her First Vows.
Latest Episodes
Tank Ball meets duck hunters and reexamines one of humanity’s oldest rituals - the hunt.
Tank Ball learns about the sacred Green Corn Ceremony practiced by Indigenous communities.
Tank Ball explores the musical tradition of corridos at the U.S. - Mexico Border.
Tank Ball discovers the significance of river baptisms for the Black community.
Tank Ball explores the spiritual practice of Hoodoo and the ritual of ancestral worship.
Join Tank Ball as she explores the Haitian Independence Day ritual of making soup joumou.
Host Tank Ball explores the history of Louisiana’s forbidden Black burials.