Fr. Davis: A Zulu community

“Riding in Zulu was part of my bucket list,” he said, laughing. “My parishioners kept telling me, before you get to heaven, you have to ride in Zulu.”
    

In 2017, Father Davis fulfilled his childhood dream. A parishioner, Lasalle Rattler Jr., was riding as Zulu’s “Province Prince” and invited his pastor to join him on his float. On the morning of the parade, Father Davis offered a prayer for members “for a safe ride and that no one gets hurt.” 
    

The ride was wonderful, Father Davis said, but it also opened his eyes to the commitment necessary to pull off the Greatest “Free” Show on Earth. In addition to the expenses – membership dues, insurance fees, the cost of beads and throws – Zulu members start staging at 3 a.m. on Mardi Gras day to get ready for the 8 a.m. roll.
 

“I had my wig, makeup and grass skirt on, but I’m glad they allow you to wear black tights,” Father Davis said. “From the top to the bottom, everything is regulated. They’re very serious. If you don’t come down correctly, they’ll pull you off the float.”
    

Father Davis said in addition to the great time on that one day, Zulu helps the community throughout the year, providing bikes to kids at Christmas and by using its funds to “help the poor and sick.”
    

“It’s not just for a good time,” he said. “Zulu makes a point to help the community. It’s very powerful.”