Le Marche Du Nain Rouge is Coming!

Everyone knows that Detroit has had its ups and downs since its founding nearly 316 years ago on July 24, 1701 and, if we’d only paid a bit more attention to history, these Troubles (many thanks to Stephen King for a good abbreviation) would have made a lot more sense. Detroit’s troubles are apparently due to the Red Dwarf, the Imp, or Le Nain Rouge, as he is best known, and a curse put on our founder, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, by this devious rapscallion. Cadillac failed to heed the warnings of a fortune teller while passing down what is now the Detroit River and this became his and our fate. There is more to learn about this Dwarf, besides the fact that he now has beers named after him, and if you are interested in such detail, here is one link.

But our primary interest here is to pass on to you our acquaintance of the ceremony that is held every year in an attempt to drive this demon out of Detroit and stop this roller coaster of feast, then famine. We’ve only attended once, but it was quite memorable and we plan to be there again this year. We encourage you to go and assist in the effort but, if you do, you need to be mentally prepared if the Nain Rouge makes an appearance and tries to sway the crowds over to his point of view. He did this last year and he is a very smooth talker. Fortunately the hazy web of deceit he was weaving over the crowd was broken before it completely set in and the Nain was sent packing once again…at least for the time being.

We’ve added photos we took of Le Marche Du Nain Rouge to the 2017+ section of this website. If you dare to look upon his horrific visage, here is the link for that.

Should you have enough courage to actually show up and do mental battle with the Nain, you can find out more about it at the links provided. Good luck to you.

The Main Event

All are invited to join in the Marche, a parade made up of the citizens of Detroit. No registration required – just show up and join in the celebration.

What you need to know:

This year, we kick off at noon at the main stage with a program of poetry, music, and carney revelry. Check it out!

The Marche du Nain Rouge proper begins at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Canfield St. and Second Ave., as revelers celebrate the spring equinox and lay a solid groundwork for hope for the upcoming year, just in case the Nain should try something dastardly.

This year, the Marche is back on Cass Avenue!

Revelers are encouraged to come masked or fully costumed; groups are encouraged to join in the fun with DIY chariots. CASH PRIZES will be presented to Detroit neighborhood groups with the best floats! Information coming soon.

There is no cost, just come out and have a good time.
http://marchedunainrouge.com