The Legend of the Nain Rouge in Detroit

Story by Leslie Cieplechowicz

He is small, dark, and ugly. And you really don’t want to see him. He is the Nain Rouge, the creature spawned from nightmares and crafted by legends. A crimson demon with pointed teeth and glowing ember eyes, he roams Detroit and is a harbinger of misfortune. And every year, Detroit hosts events to drive him from its streets.

The legend of the Nain Rouge weaves a tale from the early days when Detroit was founded by Antoine de La Mothe Cadillac in the 1700s. While attending a party in Quebec, a fortune teller warned Cadillac of a future encounter with the demon on his next adventure. She stated Cadillac needed to appease the monster with flattery and his reward would be discovering a city that would rival ones in France. If he disrespected the fiend, misfortune would darken his life.

Cadillac sailed out on his mission the next day and eventually established Fort Pontchartrain du Detroit on the western bank of the Detroit River. The fort prospered for years until one night, someone spotted the Nain Rouge. When Cadillac ran into the scarlet imp, instead of paying him respect, he smacked the monster with his cane and told him to leave the city. The Nain Rouge’s cackling laughter pierced the air as the demon slipped away into the inky darkness. And doom shrouded the arrogant Cadillac. His superiors removed the founder from his illustrious post and shipped him to Louisiana, which he considered a wretched place, to live with his family.

Featured Image
Credit: Nain Rouge: The Red Legend courtesy of Josef Bastian

Over the decades, the Nain Rouge has been spotted at catastrophes faced by Detroit including the 1805 fire, the 1960s riots, and the blizzard of 1976. This has led to a supposedly 300-year annual tradition on the Sunday after the Vernal Equinox, where Detroiters gather for a march to drive the Nain Rouge from the city.

This year the Marche du Rouge, takes place on Sunday, March 24th at 11 am at the corner of Second and Canfield. Join thousands of costumed revelers for some fun and tomfoolery while you walk down the street amongst the human-powered floats and musical performers. Keep an eye out for the Nain Rouge, who may appear anywhere, and get ready to drive the demon from Detroit before he curses you with misfortune.

After the parade, head to the Masonic Temple for an after party and a Best of Parade awards ceremony along with dancing in the iconic Fountain Ballroom. Check out the funky artwork that moves to the music on display by artist Sean Hages, scattered throughout the rooms.

Another place hosting a parade after party is the Detroit Shipping Company. Have a refreshing brew and some savory fare while enjoying entertainment, dancing, a mini horse photo op, and a Devil Lounge.

If you want a quieter evening and some more history about the Nain Rouge, the Detroit Public Library – Main is hosting an event on Tuesday, March 19 from 6:00-7:30 pm.

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