News in Louisiana's Cajun Bayou

Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Celebrates Acadian Heritage Day

In July 2022, tourism officials representing Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, the Municipality of Clare, Yarmouth & Acadian Shores in Nova Scotia, and the Congrès Mondial Acadien 2024 announced a historic partnership with the intent to bring two regions with close ties to the Acadian culture closer together, in a campaign titled “From Acadian to Cajun: Two Countries, One Culture.” In a continued effort to strengthen the partnership and to recognize and embrace our deep Acadian roots, members of our staff returned from a cultural immersion and media trip to Nova Scotia. They were accompanied by a travel journalist who’d recently visited Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou and is focusing on the cultural ties between the two regions by exploring Nova Scotia as the last leg of her journey.

Upon arrival in Nova Scotia, we met with the Executive Director of the Congrès Mondial Acadien (CMA) 2024 and members of the Municipality of Clare. We exchanged gifts, acknowledging and celebrating our partnership and officially welcoming us to Canada.

Throughout our time in the area, we visited many important Acadian historic sites, including the Grand-Pré National Historic Site (the site of the Acadian Deportation), Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse (the Acadian Village), Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos (the Acadian Museum & Archives), and the University of St. Anne. We toured Tusket Island, accompanied by Colton LeBlanc, the Minister of Acadian Affairs, and Sally Kenney, the Family Reunions Coordinator for CMA 2024. To experience Louisiana from the Canadian point of view, we were was invited by Daniel LeBlanc, the Director of the Festival Acadien de Clare, to attend a “Louisiana Night”-themed event, where we were recognized and introduced to the community.

After returning to Louisiana on August 8, Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson III signed a proclamation recognizing August 15 as Acadian Heritage Day here in Lafourche Parish. This proclamation acknowledges the work being done to promote Acadian and Cajun culture in the parish.

To learn more about the Acadian to Cajun partnership and all of the ways you can experience Cajun culture on a visit to Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, head over to https://www.lacajunbayou.com/from-acadian-to-cajun.

Unpack Our Summer Beach Bag in Louisiana's Cajun Bayou

Like many of you, the team at Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism has been on the road quite a bit this summer! Because we love to travel – both for work and personally – we’ve been busy packing, unpacking and repacking all summer long … so something we’re really looking forward to is a staycation on the bayou. We thought it would be helpful to round up a list of all the items that are in our “bayou beach bag” for those headed to Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou this summer. (Photo credit: Vesna Dies).

Food Trail Passport: We listed this first because it’s probably the most important thing in our bag this summer. We live, eat and breathe Cajun culture here and any stop along the Cajun Bayou Food Trail promises a dish full of fresh ingredients, culture and love. As an added bonus, you get a super comfy t-shirt after trying five stops along the trail!
Iced Coffee from Willow Café: Technically this is in our hand and not our bag, but it is absolutely a necessity on a hot summer day. If you’re not a coffee person but still like to start your day with a cool beverage, the cafe also offers coffee-free frappes that are just as refreshing.

Fishing Pole & Cast Net: Whether you plan to head out on the water on a Fishing Charter or want to try your luck at the Lockport Bayouside Park, a fishing pole is a must if you want to bring in the bass, red drum or bluegill that the area is known for. (Photo Credit: Vesna Dies).
Kayak Paddle: There are plenty of places in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou to Kayak, Paddleboard, Canoe and enjoy being out on the water. Geux Paddle is a new kayak and paddleboard outfitter that can be found in Raceland and Thibodaux. So grab your paddle and geux out on the water to experience the sights and sounds of Bayou Lafourche. 

Binoculars: Another way to explore the bayou is to take a Swamp Tour. If you’re lucky you won’t need binoculars to see birds, gators and all the other bayou wildlife, but it never hurts to have them on hand! (Photo credit: Vesna Dies)
Dancing Shoes: Yes, you read that right! Music on the Bayou is a free event held every Tuesday at the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center. Local musicians play every genre from jazz to zydeco to swamp pop.

Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Summer in Louisiana is HOT. Wherever your Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou vacation takes you, make sure to be safe in the sun!

Are we forgetting anything? Let us know and tag us on social media using the hashtag #cajunbayou to show us what’s in your bayou bag!

7 Things You Didn't Know About Crawfish For National Crawfish Day

Happy National Crawfish Day! Here in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, crawfish are the (metaphorical) bread and butter of Cajun cuisine. These crustaceans may be little, but they’re packed with flavor and can be very versatile in cooking, especially in popular Cajun dishes like gumbo and étouffée.

New to the whole crawfish thing? Not to worry. We’ve rounded up some fun facts to help you get to know these seafood stars a bit better:

March Down to Louisiana's Cajun Bayou for These Events

Throughout the month of March, people will be shamrockin’ around Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou as they enjoy an array of events that help make the destination especially fun. Here’s a roundup of some March events that are guaranteed to put a spring in your step.

St. Patrick’s Day on the Bayou
March 11, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Though our absolute favorite part of this event is the cardboard boat race down the bayou (Irish all the contestants the best of luck), this event will also feature live music, tasty food and activities for all ages.
Choctaw Firemen’s Fair
March 17-19

We’re turning up the heat for the Choctaw Firemen’s Fair, where you’ll have access to rides, games, music, a parade, and, of course, some of the best Cajun food you’ll ever eat.

Krewe Des Lutins Irish Italian Parade 
March 18, 1 p.m.

You know what they say about St. Patrick’s Day – it’s not over ‘til it’s clover. Give one final St. Patty’s hurrah with the first-ever Krewe Des Lutins Irish-Italian parade hosted by the Lafourche Concert & Events Club. Heads up and hands out … because veggies will be the popular throws for this parade!

Spring Arts Walk
March 24, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Take a breath of fresh spring air and stroll through downtown Thibodaux while visiting with local artists along the sidewalk. Support both small businesses and local artisans by popping into the boutiques and restaurants along the way.
Boilin’ Down the Bayou Crawfish Boil & Crafts Show
March 25, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.

At this time of year, it’s not a party unless someone’s serving fresh crawfish … so we’ve got ourselves a major party here. You’re invited to enjoy some tasty Louisiana crawfish, music, and craft booths and vendors at the Oakridge Park and Pavilion.

Downtown Sounds
March 30, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Flow Tribe and Snapper & the Fishsticks will be performing in Thibodaux, so grab your friends and family and head downtown for a night full of fun and live music, all benefiting a good cause. Proceeds from this event go toward The Bryant O’Neil Foundation and suicide prevention awareness.
Louisiana Boulettes & Balloons Festival 
March 31- April 1 

What could be better than hot air balloons, cooking competitions Cajun food, and games? Absolutely nothing! With all these activities in addition to the boulettes, this event will soar to new heights and certainly be a crowd pleaser. 

March on down to Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou and see experience everything we have in store for you this month. We can’t wait to see you here!

How to Spend Galentine's Day in Louisiana's Cajun Bayou

February 13th marks Galentine’s Day, the day before the mushy lovey-dove day where you and your gals and/or pals can celebrate with a day of pampering, nourishment, and enjoyment with those around you. This year, Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou has you covered with some fun activities to celebrate this day of friendship:

Pamper Yourself at The Esthetic Co.

First things first: Treat yo’ self! The Estethic Co. in Thibodaux is a great way to detoxify and de-stress. Choose from a variety of facial options, body wraps or other treat-yourself-treatment at this skin-care stop in downtown Thibodaux. We are sure the stress of daily life will be washed away.

Brunch at Spahr’s Seafood
Everyone knows a good outing isn’t complete without brunch with your besties. Though Spahr’s is known for seafood – especially their signature catfish chips – you haven’t lived until you’ve tried the Pain Perdu. Made with local French bread, a cinnamon-sugar custard, powdered sugar and fresh fruit, this delicacy guarantees your Galentine’s Day will be off on the right foot and give you the sugar rush needed for everything else on this list.

Shop in Downtown Thibodaux

After being pampered and fed, show off your refreshed self as you shop the boutiques downtown. Whether you’re looking for jewelry from Chic Chateau Interiors & Gifts, accessories or décor from The Bead Hive, or clothing from LUCO Boutique, Thibodaux’s shops will help you source something spectacular for every friend on your Galentine’s Day list.

Pottery Class at Purple Penguin Art Company
Nothing says quality time like making something beautiful with your pals. At Purple Penguin, you can arrange for your own private wheel-throwing pottery class, which guarantees a lot of laughs, some messy hands and incredible memories.

Walk the Lockport Elevated Boardwalk
Last, are you a group of moms just happy to get a break from your kids for the day and you need some quiet? Or maybe you and your friends prefer “naturing” yourselves over “nurturing” yourselves. Either way, a quiet stroll down the 440-foot Lockport Boardwalk provides you and your gal pals a well-deserved breath of fresh air .. just what the Galentine’s Day doctor ordered.

The day is all about celebrating time with your friends, so sit back, relax, and enjoy Galentine’s Day in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou is in full swing, and though we don’t have a winter wonderland to walk in (usually), there are plenty of other ways to get in the holiday spirit and have a holly jolly – and Cajun – Christmas.
Any good morning in December should start with hot chocolate – the more whipped cream and marshmallows, the better! Stop by The Simple Bean in Cut Off to order a cup with all the fixins … or, if you need your mornings to start with a tad more caffeine, sample a coffee flight that features holiday flavors like Candy Cane, Sugar Cookie and Cinnamon Mocha. Yum!

If you want to get a head start on your holiday shopping, downtown Thibodaux offers plenty of opportunities to support local businesses and find something for everyone on your list. Well, it’s doubtful you’ll secure a partridge in a pear tree or three French hens … but who needs those? Chic Chateau, Johnny’s Men's Shop, The Bead Hive and LUCO Boutique are but a few of the local shops that have pretty much everything else along with friendly shopkeepers ready to help you find the perfect gift.
End the day with Christmas in the Park at Peltier Park in Thibodaux. This family-friendly event is a drive-through lights display featuring Christmas trees decorated by local organizations, churches and schools, and lights, lights, and more lights! It runs through December 31, operating from 6 to 9 p.m. every night.
If you can’t get enough of that warm and fuzzy holiday feeling and need to get some inspiration for decking the halls while also filling your stomach with authentic Cajun food, head to the Golden Meadow Christmas Boat Parade and Gumbo Cook Off on December 17. Celebrate the holidays Cajun-style with gumbo, music, craft booths and a lighted boat parade that travels up and down Bayou Lafourche.

There’s no end to the ways you can celebrate the holiday season here in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, you’re sure to get a warm welcome … and that’s not just because Papa Noël is making a list and checking it twice. Around here, hospitality just comes with the territory, no matter what the season!

#ExploreMore with Louisiana's Cajun Bayou & Tangi Tourism

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism and Tangipahoa Tourism are once again aiming to score with their #ExploreMore partnership. Despite being rivals on the field, these two tourism destinations are joining forces at the upcoming Nicholls State University and Southeastern Louisiana University football game on November 17.

The two tourism offices will host a joint tailgate at the game in partnership with the Louisiana Office of Tourism. Fans can stop by for crawfish fettucine, catfish chips, seafood gumbo, mini crab cakes, bread pudding and other tasty treats served with a side of Louisiana hospitality. Whether you’re rooting for the Colonels or the Lions, you’re invited to enjoy good food, good company, and the opportunity to learn more about both parishes.

After a one-year hiatus, the #ExploreMore initiative reignited last year with the respective parishes working together to drive visitation to the two areas, both of which make a great day trip or weekend getaway. The tourism offices have created itineraries full of family-friendly activities such as looking for bald eagles during a boat tour on Bayou Lafourche, trying alligator and andouille rangoons at Cinclare in Thibodaux, or venturing over to the Global Wildlife Center in Folsom to get an up-close look at zebras and giraffes. The 2021 initiative and tailgate, which included a gift basket giveaway, was so successful that it’s back for 2022.

Head over to https://www.lacajunbayou.com/exploremore to get more details on the tailgate, along with information about Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, Tangi Tourism, and all the fun things to do in Louisiana.

Our autumnal events continue into October and hit all the important “F’s” – fall, family, friends, festivals, fun and (perhaps most importantly) food! Come on down to Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou this month to see, taste, hear and experience what it means to be Cajun in the Fall and how we do things here in coastal Louisiana. Here’s a sampling of all the fun to come!

Grand Reveil Acadien (GRA) 2022 Symposium
October 5

The Grand Reveil Acadien will be making a stop in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou during their week-long celebration of the Acadian & Cajun culture. Visit the link above to get a full rundown of the seminars and events taking place in Lafourche Parish that day. You’re invited to learn about the history and traditions of both during this all-day event.

La Fete des Vieux Temps
October 7 – 9

Immerse yourself in authentic Cajun culture with the “Festival of Old Times,” an event featuring tasty Cajun food (as if there’s any other kind), music, dancing, and an arts-and-crafts show.

Laurel Valley Fall Festival
October 16

Held at Laurel Valley Village in Thibodaux, this arts-and-crafts show is complemented by live music, demonstrations and authentic Cajun food. Guests can browse vendors, enjoy good food and learn about the history of sugar cane farming in the area.

Saved by the ‘90s
October 20

Are you a ‘90s baby wishing you could relive your childhood? Now’s your chance! Artists like DJ Spin and the Spin Doctors will take concert-goers into the ‘90s at this throwback event.

Louisiana Gumbo Festival
October 21 – 23

Do you prefer your gumbo with sausage? Or perhaps with chicken? Maybe seafood? Whatever your preference, come enjoy authentic gumbo made from scratch at the Louisiana Gumbo Festival, along with live music and demonstrations. Fun fact: Nearly 500 gallons of gumbo will be made throughout the weekend!

Monsters on Main
October 28

Bring your little ghosts & ghouls to Downtown Thibodaux for a fun evening of trick-or-treating with participating businesses!

French Food Festival
October 28 – 30

We hope you’ve got some stretchy pants, because this festival celebrates local dishes influenced by both the French and Cajun cultures. Sample the various dishes while taking in the live music, but be sure to not eat so much that you can’t join in the dancing!

Acadia Music Fest
October 29

Local, national and international artists come together for one day in Thibodaux for the Acadia Music Fest. This year, the festival is headlined by Ludacris, who will be joined by artists including David Shaw, DJ Spin, and more.

Downtown Sounds
November 3

What’s better than taking up the streets of Downtown Thibodaux with live outdoor music! Check out Flow Tribe and Snapper & the Fishsticks at the second edition of Downtown Sounds!

Big Boy’s Main Street Cook Off
November 11

One of the most anticipated events of the year, Big Boy’s Main St. Cook Off brings out local chefs to determine who can make the best, most unapologetically Cajun dish. Spectators get plenty of delicious samples, along with live music.

Thibodeauxville Fall Festival
November 12

Come for the food, music, car show, and art vendors … stay for the rubber ducks! Try your luck at the infamous rubber duck race down Bayou Lafourche. The odds may not be in your favor, but the winner gets ultimate bragging rights – and a hefty monetary prize.

Whether you’re coming to one of the events for the good food (aren’t we all?), the chance to immerse yourself in the Cajun culture, to spend time with friends and family, or just try your luck at winning money from a lucky ducky, we’re ready and waiting to welcome you to Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou.

Though there’s always something fun to do in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, fall is an extra-special time of year here. It’s when residents and visitors get to enjoy some of Lafourche Parish’s most beloved events, and now – one year after Hurricane Ida put a pause on so many activities – most of these events are back on the bayou … and better than ever, if we do say so ourselves! Here’s a preview of what’s coming up in September:
Boat Tours on Bayou Lafourche
Weekly, every Friday and Saturday

The Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center’s weekly boat tours are resuming this month. Travel up and down the bayou with a park ranger, learning about the history of the waterway and the wildlife and nature that surrounds you. On Fridays, you’ll also be treated to a tour of the E.D. White Historic Site as part of this round-trip journey. In addition, the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center has their Cercle Francophone Classes and Music on the Bayou every Tuesday, and Historic Downtown Thibodaux Walking Tours every Wednesday & Thursday.

Cajun Music Jam at Gina's
September 7 and 21

Head to Gina’s at the Legion – for bimonthly Cajun Music Jams. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Cajun music or a novice just wanting to dip your toes in, all ages and experience levels are welcome to play, dance and pass a good time.

Tawasi Antiques and Art Show
September 9 – 11

This three-day show features antiques and art dealers from across the country, with proceeds going back to the community. Enjoy a variety of quality pieces including jewelry, glassware, silver, furniture, art pieces, and more.

Creole Classic Fest
September 17

Bring your dancing feet and cooking skills to the Creole Classic Fest, held at Harang Auditorium in Thibodaux. Listen to live music, compete in a cornhole tournament and enter a cook-off to show off your culinary skills (advance registration required).

Cut Off Youth Center Hurricane Festival
September 23 – 25

With live music, carnival rides, vendors, classic Cajun food and kid-friendly activities, this annual festival offers something for every member of the family.

Fall Arts Walk
September 23

Stroll down Main Street while taking in work by resident artists and supporting the local shops and businesses you pass along the way.

Nicholls State University Football Season Opener
September 24
Come cheer on the NSU Colonels at their first home game of the season against Jacksonville State. It’s a Red Out, so be sure to show up wearing red to support the team!

Clearly, if there’s one thing we love in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, it’s a fun event! We have plenty to do this month, so grab your family and come on down. We hope to see you here!

Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Remembers Hurricane Ida - One Year Later

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou has seen its fair share of challenges over the past two years. As all of our hotels, restaurants, attractions and events grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic and the ever-changing path forward, Lafourche Parish was dealt a devastating Category 4 blow on August 29, 2021.

Hurricane Ida, the second-most damaging and intense hurricane to ever hit the state of Louisiana, made landfall near Port Fourchon on the 29th and quickly made its way up Bayou Lafourche. The destruction left in its wake was nothing short of catastrophic. The aftermath has been felt by every single resident of our beloved parish, with towns down the bayou being some of the hardest hit.

However, the story does not end there. You see, Cajuns are no strangers to adversity. Some of the first settlers along the bayou, the Acadians, faced severe uncertainty and challenging times. That same strength, grit, and determination has been passed down for generations. It shined brightly the morning of August 30th, the day after landfall, as neighbors helped neighbors, communities helped communities, and friends from around the country rushed to our aid.
As our residents emerged to begin picking up the pieces of their lives, what we saw was not shattered windows, splintered trees and destroyed homes. It was people opening their homes to those without one, community organizations distributing critical aid to families that didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, and business owners giving away whatever they could to aid the cause. In the hot, humid days that followed, the words “how can I help” echoed off the banks of the bayou.

As the weeks grew into months, things began to get better. Debris was cleaned up, supplies distributed, roofs tarped and lights turned back on. Hotels – even though many were running on generators with damage of their own – manned their front desks and housed linemen, work crews and those in need of shelter. Our restaurants continued to serve hot meals to workers and first responders… day in and day out. Our own tourism team did not stop working one day, even though Ida destroyed our visitor center and offices. Everyone selflessly did their part to begin putting our destination back together. Along the way, we collectively showed the world what it truly means to be Cajun.
One year later, here we are. Our doors are back open, the tables are set, the beds are made and our lively festivals have returned. We are welcoming visitors back to experience our unapologetically Cajun culture once again. Even though there is a still a long way to go, we have come so very far over the course of one year. We would not be where we are today if it were not for our residents, government officials, community organizations, volunteers, linemen and those who came from far and wide to help us put the pieces back together.

We invite you to come be part of our continued recovery. Come stay awhile at one of our local hotels or B&B’s, taste authentic Cajun cooking at our family-owned restaurants, take a ride into our unspoiled swamps, or party like a local at one of our many festivals and events. We often say that the Bayou Life isn’t for anyone … it’s for everyone. And we mean it. There is truly no other place like Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou in Lafourche Parish. We can’t wait to welcome you to our incredibly resilient family.