On Sunday March 22nd, thousands of metro-Detroiters met in mid-town for the annual banishment of the devilish Nain Rouge. A new Detroit tradition beginning in 2010, The Marche Du Nain Rouge, is a mile long parade-turned-party down second street in the Cass Corridor. The Parade leads up to the Masonic Temple where the fabled Nain Rouge appears and reveals his dastardly plan for the down fall of Detroit.
It is the reveler’s job to scare off the Nain for yet another year with their cheers of hope and faith in their city. Event goers are encouraged to dress to conceal their identity from the red gnome and this year’s disguises did not disappoint. From Grecian goddesses to countless red fairies and devils, the parade was part Mardi Gras and part Renaissance Festival. Walking down Second was a labyrinth in itself with masses of people, drum lines, marching bands, elaborate floats, and even a steam punk carraige-cycle. As the parade ended, and the Nain in hiding until next year, the Fountain Room of the Masonic Temple opened up to continue the party with drinks, a DJ, and a performance from the Detroit Party Marching Band.
Although the Marche Du Nain Rouge is a relatively new tradition, the legend of the Nain Rouge is at least 300 years old. It is said that Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, Detroit Founder, was followed by the little imp who has called Detroit it’s home ever since. The feisty fiend may be a legend to most, but to some, the myth is anything but. There have been reported sightings of the notorious Nain Rouge dating back to 1763, before the Battle of Bloody Run, all the way up to 1996 when he was spotted breaking into cars.
But not all accept this tale of the Nain’s vile intentions. A group holding signs reading “Stop Nain Shame” and “B Nice 2 Nain” were seen at the march. There is a contradictory legend that depicts the Nain as not a demon, but a protector. This assembly of Nain supporters argue that the Nain is present before disasters and other negative events in Detroit’s history not because he is the cause of them, but because he is simply trying to warn his fair city goers of the impending event.
Regardless if you believe in the Nain’s innocence or guilt, or see it as nothing more than a silly fable, the Marche du Nain Rouge was an event for all that brought together thousands of metro-Detroiters, full of hope for a bright and successful (and Nain free) 2015.
Article by Jenna Priest / GreeningDetroit.com’s resident Historian, who also helps to write afterglow stories for Greening Detroit events. She can be contacted via Email at: Jenna@GreeningDetroit.com