Marche du Nain Rouge

01 / The story of this place

Make time for these

The Nain Rouge, French for "red dwarf," is Detroit's oldest legend: supposedly founder Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac crossed him in 1701, and he's been spotted before the city's worst disasters ever since. Since 2010, thousands of costumed Detroiters have taken over the Cass Corridor each spring with masks, homemade human-powered floats and brass bands. For years the point was to chase the imp out of town; since 2025 organizers have asked people not to chase him and to show the Nain that hope prevails instead. The procession starts at Canfield and Second and ends at the foot of the Masonic Temple, followed by an afterparty.

1. Costumes, masks and human-powered floats
2. New Orleans-style brass to open the day
3. The Nain Rouge himself at the Masonic Temple
4. "Best of" awards for floats and neighborhood groups
5. Afterparty with DJs and local vendors