Thomas Sparks, Sr., Big Chief of the Yellow Jacket Mardi Gras Indian gang, marks a unique milestone this month. On February 17, Mardi Gras Day, he celebrates his 83rd birthday.

“Nothing wrong with your birthday and Carnival being the same day,” Chief Sparks enthusiastically exclaims. “It never caught up with each other before.”

The dates had plenty of opportunities to coincide as Sparks began masking Indian 68 years ago and has led the Yellow Jackets since 1955. If the weather cooperate...