Grab Your Disguise, it's Time for Marche du Nain Rouge!

In 1702, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, the French founder of Detroit, recounted having dreams of a little red devil. Seeking answers, he visited a fortune teller who identified the devil as the Nain Rouge, also known as the harbinger of doom. The fortune teller warned Cadillac that settling in the straits between Michigan and Ontario might bring profits but would be a long, uphill battle with setbacks. Cadillac eventually encountered the little red devil in person and, instead of fleeing in fear, chose to confront it, chasing the Nain Rouge away with a stick. However, his fatal mistake was letting the Nain see his face. The Nain continued to taunt him relentlessly after he settled in the area, eventually leading to Cadillac's return to France penniless.

Legend says that despite Cadillac's departure, the Nain Rouge decided to stay and continue haunting the city. Every year, Detroiters gather to chase the Nain out of the city, remembering to cover their faces to evade its return.

So Detroiters, let's meet up this Sunday, March 24th to chase that little red devil out of our town! If you're ready to stand up for our city, wear your favorite disguise and join us in marching up Cass Ave. from Second Ave. and Canfield to Cass Park. We start gathering between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. and we start marching between 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

For details about the Marche and to learn more about the events of the day, visit MarcheDuNainRouge.com.

No red-eyed dwarf with furry boots is going to keep this city down! Viva Detroit!

~S