Cultural Geography of
Louisiana
Day 9

• Way of life of a group of people
• Elements of culture include religion, music, food, clothing, language, architecture, art, literature, celebrations, customs, games and sports

Definition: the spreading of one’s own culture
• The culture of Louisiana is very diverse because of its history. There influences from the French, Spanish,
Native American, German, Mexican,
African and other cultures.

• Jazz – New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz
• Blues – based on black folk music from African culture
• Cajun – French with German influence
• Zydeco – combination of French and African
• Rock and Roll – also started in New Orleans
• Gospel – European influence
• Spirituals – African influence

Festivals are one way that groups celebrate elements of their culture. Examples in Louisiana include:
• Mardi Gras (statewide)
• Shrimp Festival (Morgan City)
• Frog Festival (Acadia Parish)
• Festival Acadiens (Lafayette)
• Alligator Festival (St. Charles Parish)
• Sugar Cane Festival (New Iberia)
• Red River Revel (Shreveport)
• and many others……

• Mardi Gras was first celebrated in Louisiana in the early 18 th century when Louisiana was French territory.
• In New Orleans, the Mardi Gras season prepares for the start of the Christian season of Lent. It starts after Epiphany (January 6) and ends on Fat
Tuesday.
• The celebration season includes parades, costumes, balls, and king cake parties.
• Other cities around the state, also have Mardi
Gras celebrations, including Shreveport-Bossier.

Mardi Gras Video from Maps101
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Click on logout. Then login to view video.

“Throw me something, mister…”

Cake has a small plastic baby (said to represent Baby
Jesus) inside, and the person who gets the piece of cake with the baby has various privileges and obligations.

Group that puts on a parade and or a ball during the Mardi Gras season. Krewes choose a king and queen and prepare a float for the Mardi Gras parade.

Although we are all citizens of Louisiana, our state has cultural regions. Each region includes similar elements of culture such as language, religion, food, music, or recreation.
Each of the regions on the map shown on the previous slide has cultural characteristics that make it different from the other regions.

Sportsman’s Paradise – abundant outdoor recreation activities, including hunting and fishing
Cajun Country – strong Cajun culture
Crossroads – blends cultures of North and
South Louisiana
Plantation – many old plantation homes in this region

Louisiana’s Ethnic Groups
An ethnic group is a group of people who share common traditions, beliefs, and patterns of living. Louisiana is richly diverse.
Acadians – French Canadians who migrated to
Louisiana in 18 th century. Commonly known as
“cajuns” . Many still speak their native language. They proudly celebrate their culture and are well known for their Cajun music and
Cajun food.

African Americans – came to La. in several ways, some (but not all) as slaves. Their culture includes some of
Louisiana’s most famous foods and music. Gumbo, jazz and zydeco music are just a few examples.

American Indians – several major tribes have their headquarters around the state:
• Chitimacha
• Choctaw
• Coushatta
• Tunica-Biloxi
• Houma

Anglos – culture developed in the original British 13 colonies. Includes
Scottish, Irish, English.
Germans – immigrated to La. During early colonial years. More Germans arrived in 19 th century. Large German influence in Acadia Parish. There is also an early German settlement in
Minden.

Hispanics – Some refer to themselves as
Isleños (means islanders). These people are descended from Canary Islanders who were brought here when La. was a Spanish colony.
The Hispanic community around Zwolle migrated here from South Texas, and the most recent Hispanic immigrants have come from
Mexico.
Italians – Immigrated to La. In 19 th century.
Many became farmers. Significant influence in
New Orleans and Tangipahoa Parish.

Louisiana has a rich, proud heritage which has benefitted from the many diverse ethnic groups that have settled here and the cultural diffusion that resulted because of it.