Culture

by Keeley Brooks Louisiana is known for many things, but its top four identifiers are food, culture, music, and football. While Louisiana cuisine serves up a smorgasbord of delectable dishes not found anywhere else in the country, its most popular dish is, without a doubt, red beans and rice. While the dish itself is hearty and delicious, its recipe varies from one cook to another, and this is what allows for those unique taste-testing experiences. If you have an endless appetite for red beans and rice, and for some of the most tasteful cuisines the Bayou State offers, this is your lucky weekend. The first annual Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Heritage and Music Festival is taking place Saturday, March 23 in downtown Baton Rouge from 12 noon to 8 p.m.The festival is a new, fresh way to b...

January The start of the year in Louisiana brings with it an array of exciting festivals. One of the most popular festivals in January is the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans. This is a two-week-long celebration filled with parades, music, delicious cuisine, and revelry. The main event, which takes place on Fat Tuesday, is the largest parade in the city. Floats adorned with vibrant beads and intricate costumes make their way down the streets of the French Quarter, while live music fills the air. After the parade, visitors can enjoy the traditional King Cake, as well as the legendary crawfish boils that are available throughout the city. Other popular January festivals in Louisiana include the Black Heritage Festival in Baton Rouge, and the Krewe of Shreveport Mardi Gras Parade....

As we embark on a new year, music lovers in Louisiana are eagerly anticipating the upcoming festival season. From January to March 2024, the state will be buzzing with a variety of music festivals that will cater to every genre and taste. From jazz to blues, from country to electronic, Louisiana has something for everyone. So grab your dancing shoes, put on your festival gear, and get ready to experience the magic of live music at these top festivals in the Pelican State. January kicks off with a bang as the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival takes place from January 5th to 15th. This iconic festival, often referred to as Jazz Fest, is a celebration of the rich musical history of New Orleans. For over 50 years, Jazz Fest has brought together some of the biggest names in ja...

Creole and Cajun cooking are two types of cooking that originated in Louisiana. Both styles of cooking often use a blend of French, Spanish, Caribbean, African, and Native American influences. While both Creole and Cajun cooking are popular in Louisiana, they have distinct differences that set them apart. The history of Creole and Cajun Cooking is simple: Creole originated in the 1700s, Cajun in the second half of the 18th century. But what are the actual differences? A couple of common generalizations are that Creole vs. Cajun is like city vs. country, and that Creole cooking feeds one family with three chickens, Cajun cooking feeds three families with one chicken. Often Creole cuisine is luxurious, refined and sometimes indulgent with its ingredients, while Cajun cooking emphasize...

Louisiana is a state filled with history and culture, and there are so many unexpected and hidden gems that many people don’t get to see. From stunning architectural achievements to outdoor adventures, this state has something for everyone. Here are some unexpected places to visit in Louisiana that will surprise and delight even the most experienced traveler. 1. Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge This wildlife refuge is one of the least-visited areas in Louisiana, but it’s definitely worth exploring. Located in the northeast corner of the state, the Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge is a peaceful oasis for birds, mammals, and other wildlife. Visitors can explore the refuge by foot, canoe, or kayak, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the wetlands. I...

September September brings a wealth of festivals to Louisiana, and you won’t want to miss out on any of them! The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, also known as Jazz Fest, is a highlight of the month. Held in the city’s Fair Grounds Race Track, the event attracts some of the biggest names in jazz, blues, and R&B for a weekend of incredible music. In addition to the music, there’s also plenty of delicious local cuisine to enjoy. The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival is another must-see September event. Held on the first weekend of the month, the event offers visitors the opportunity to feast on some of the state’s freshest and most delicious crawfish. In addition to the crawfish, there’s also plenty of live Cajun music, arts and crafts, and more. The Fall Heritage Festival...

Some of the most colorful and unique festivals in the nation take place here during May through July, offering visitors a chance to experience the culture and way of life of the region. From music and food festivals to art and religious events, Louisiana has something for everyone to enjoy. May The first major festival of the season is the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival in Lafayette, which takes place from May 3rd to May 5th. This event brings together the best of the region’s Cajun and Zydeco music, dance, and food. Attendees can enjoy traditional Cajun and Zydeco music performed by some of the most renowned artists in the state, as well as sample some of the region’s most beloved dishes such as jambalaya, gumbo, and étouffée. There are also plenty of activities for the children, in...

Louisiana is known as the festival capital of the United States and it certainly lives up to its reputation. Every year, the state hosts a variety of festivals and events, from traditional Mardi Gras celebrations to modern music and food festivals. There are so many events to choose from that it can be hard to know where to start. January January in Louisiana is the start of a new year of festivals and celebrations in the state. Louisiana is home to some of the most unique and vibrant festivals and events in the country. From Mardi Gras and festivals celebrating the culture of the bayou to live music events and film festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the most popular festivals and events that will take place in Louisiana from January 2023 to April 20...

People from Louisiana tend to pride themselves on the same core values: family, food, faith, and friendship. That’s what makes our state so special. Despite graphs, polls, and other “data” that rank our state the lowest in overall well-being (Yahoo-Finance) and highest in stress, somehow our ENTIRE state is as one community. Photo: Laci Brice If you move out-of-state, this is always home. Nothing ever fills that boot-shaped hole that Louisiana leaves. If you travel around, somehow you always find yourself naturally attracted to people that you find later are other Louisianians. Something magic about our state is that no matter how polarized we may feel at times, as a state, we are a family. We are a community. Photo: Laci Brice Nothing means more to us than our core values... ...