National Louisiana Day on November 9 every year celebrates all the great things that the state has to offer. From food to music, Louisiana is known for its vibrant and diverse culture representing the state’s multicultural heritage.
Louisiana’s culture, buildings, food, and music all show influences from French, Spanish, Haitian, French Canadian, Native American, and African cultures. There are many festivals and carnivals in the country that are directly taken from the myriad cultures that make up Louisiana. The most evident culture in Louisiana is the Louisiana Creole culture, which is the mix of French, African, Spanish, and Native American cultures.
History of National Louisiana Day
National Louisiana Day is an occasion to celebrate this historical state and its culture, which is one of a kind.
The state of Louisiana is a state in the southern half of the United States, bordered by Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Large parts of the state are made up of swamp and marshland which has a rich and vibrant diversity of plants, animals, and other fauna.
But the primary contribution of Louisiana is its culture. The state of Louisiana is known primarily for its Louisiana Creole culture, which is a mix of Haitian, French, Spanish, Native American, and African cultures. It is also unique because of the influence of Cajun culture on the state, which is primarily limited to Louisiana. This is a result of the immigration of French-speaking settlers to the state.
New Orleans is the largest and one of the most important cities in Louisiana. The city is known as the birthplace of jazz, but that isn’t the only kind of music that has developed in the city. The city is known for the sheer amount of music that has come out of there, including musicians who sang the blues, Zydeco, country, gospel, and a lot of the early rock and roll.
The state is also known for its food, its variety of influences including Cajun cuisine, Creole cuisine, and African cuisine.
Louisiana is also known for its many festivals, of which the best-known festival is Mardi Gras. But the state hosts a lot of music and food festivals, fairs, and cook-offs.
National Louisiana Day timeline
The area that becomes Louisiana is the origin of the Mound Builders.
Native American people settle in the area, but during this time the Caddoan Mississippians occupy a large territory.
The French and French Canadians are among the first Europeans to come to Louisiana.
Under President Thomas Jefferson, the state of Louisiana is purchased from the French in April.
National Louisiana Day FAQs
Is there a Cajun Day?
Cajun culture, cuisine, and bayou are all celebrated along with National Louisiana Day.
What race is a Creole person?
Creole people are usually of European or African descent from France, Spain, West Indies, or French and Spanish American.
What is the main export of Louisiana?
Crawfish is the main export from Louisiana.
National Louisiana Day Activities
Go to a crawfish boil
An important community event in Louisiana is a crawfish boil. On National Louisiana Day a lot of public boils are hosted, so head over and get yourself some great seafood!
Head to the Capitol Park Museum
Filled with all things Louisiana history, the Capitol Park Museum is an important visit on this day. Head to the museum to learn all about this amazing state!
Listen to some New Orleans jazz
Louisiana gave birth to jazz, so the best tribute to the state is to listen to some excellent jazz music. Listen to it at home or head over to a traditional jazz bar!
5 Important Facts About Louisiana
Almost half the population was enslaved
According to an 1860 census, nearly 47% of the population in Louisiana consisted of enslaved people.
Louisiana is divided into parishes
In Louisiana, counties are called parishes and it is the only state in America that uses this term.
It was named after Louis XIV
When the French claimed the territory for France, they named it La Louisiane, meaning ‘related to Louis.
Louisiana was purchased for sixty million francs
The French accepted payment for Louisiana in U.S. bonds, and part of the payment was used to forgive France’s debts during the war.
The 18th state of the U.S.
In 1812, the territory known as the Territory of Orleans became the State of Louisiana.
Why We Love National Louisiana Day
We love the culture
Louisiana culture is unique and we love to experience it. Nothing compares to the food, architecture, music, and fashion of Louisiana.
We want to visit New Orleans
We’re always looking for an excuse to visit New Orleans and what better day than Louisiana Day? We want to spend our time soaking up all the great food and festivals in the city.
We want to eat crawfish and gumbo
Authentic crawfish and gumbo are specials in Louisiana and we want to celebrate the state with some authentic food. We can’t wait to eat delicious crawfish and gumbo!
National Louisiana Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2024 | November 9 | Saturday |
2025 | November 9 | Sunday |
2026 | November 9 | Monday |
2027 | November 9 | Tuesday |
2028 | November 9 | Thursday |