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Allen Manuel was born in Eunice, Louisiana. A masonry contractor. Allen and his wife Georgie prepare Cajun Mardi Gras masks and costumes together in their spare time or when needed. Allen first learned this craft as a child from his father who attained it from his father. There is a total of five generations that know and practice the craft of making masks and costumes.
Allen utilizes handmade molds, a small hammer, a piece of window screen, and paint to create the masks. The costumes are made with old cloth and feed sacks. He has demonstrated his creativity at Jazz Fest '96; Festival of Arts in Eunice; Festivals Acadian in Lafayette; Louisiana Folklife Festival in Eunice, Monroe, and Natchitoches; Red River Revel in Shreveport; Cajun Music and Heritage Festival in Lafayette; Craft Days in Lafayette; St. Landry Parish Heritage Festival in Opelousas; French Market Festival in Abbeville; and the International Festival in Baton Rouge. He was also featured in By Southern Hands, by Jan Armore and received an award at the Creole State Exhibit.