What Is Louisiana Known For? A Colorful History and a Flair All Its Own
January 01, 2023
Louisiana鈥檚 unique culture offers a special experience.
With its roots in both French and Spanish heritage, and a strong influence from the Acadians, known today as Cajuns, the state has a colorful history and a flair all its own. The language, the food, the music and the varying backgrounds of its people create a fascinating melting pot of cultures that cannot be experienced elsewhere. 海角社区 is located in the heart of Louisiana鈥檚 capital, and New Orleans and Cajun Country are just an hour鈥檚 drive from campus.
Mardi Gras
One of the things Louisiana is best known for is Mardi Gras, which is French for 鈥淔at Tuesday.鈥 Mardi Gras is celebrated in a variety of ways around the state, but most include eating king cake, participating in parades, and costuming. The holiday represents an integral part of Louisiana鈥檚 culture and heritage.
Cuisine
Dining in Louisiana is a sumptuous culinary adventure like no other in the world. Whether you try Lafayette鈥檚 pork boudin, Natchitoches鈥 savory meat pies, or New Orleans鈥 Oysters Rockefeller, you will be sampling the mouth-watering blend of Louisiana鈥檚 epicurean heritage. Red beans and rice, gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish---no meal in Louisiana is ordinary and we have food and flavors to satisfy everyone鈥檚 palate!
Architecture
Louisiana is known for the beauty of its distinctive architecture and historic buildings. In fact, you鈥檒l find more sites in Louisiana on the National Register of Historic Places than in any other state. New Orleans鈥 French Quarter is decorated with lovely wrought-iron balconies and tropical courtyards, as well as the iconic architecture of one of the oldest Catholic Cathedrals in the U.S. On the historic River Road, you can drive alongside the Mississippi River and view antebellum mansions, elegant French Caribbean-style homes and colorful Cr茅ole cottages that date back to the 1700-1800s.
Sportsman's Paradise
Louisiana has long been known as the 鈥淪portsman鈥檚 Paradise.鈥 Its many bayous, swamps and coastal marshes provide excellent fishing, wildlife viewing, boating, canoeing and photography opportunities. Lush forests throughout the state appeal to hunters; numerous state and national parks provide recreational opportunities for those who love the outdoors; and the bluffs, creeks and waterfalls of the Tunica Hills area about an hour northwest of 海角社区 are favorite spots of hikers and cyclists.
Music
Music is one of Louisiana鈥檚 crown jewels. From Cajun and zydeco music to jazz, blues and gospel, the sounds of Louisiana will put rhythm in your step. A long line of Louisiana musicians, including Louis Armstrong, Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Fats Domino and Jerry lee Lewis, have not only created original musical styles, but have also influenced music throughout the nation and around the world. No matter your preference or your mood, Louisiana will be singing your song.
Festivals
Louisiana is home to more than 400 free festivals that take place year-round, all across the state. Showcasing the best and most interesting aspects of the local culture, festivals celebrate the food, music, crafts and even the bounty of the state鈥檚 agriculture. The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival in Breaux Bridge; the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival in Ponchatoula; the Amite Oyster Festival in Amite; the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans; and the International Rice Festival in Crowley are just a few of the events that are loved by locals and tourists alike.