A festival is a time or day of feasting or celebration

usually established by customs or traditions.

What is a festival?

Louisiana has over 400 annual fairs and festivals that occur

throughout the year in different parts of the state.

Louisiana Festivals

•To celebrate and preserve the unique culture, heritage, and traditions of Louisiana’s people•To celebrate the abundant natural resources and products of the state

What do the Louisiana Festivals celebrate?

•Louisiana’s Resources and Products

•Agricultural (Strawberry Festival)

•Aquacultural (Crawfish Festival)

•Cultures and their contributions

•Music (Jazz and Heritage Festival)

•Food (Gumbo Festival)

•Economic growth from tourism and local spending

•Louisiana education and cultural sharing

•Preservation of unique customs and traditions

Presenting: The Most Well-Known Louisiana

Festival…

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras***Mardi Gras is French for

“Fat Tuesday”

***Held every year in New Orleans, LA

***February or March

***Celebrates the final day before the Christian fast of

Lent

***First parade held in 1837

Mardi Gras***Colors are purple,

green and gold

***Celebrations include parades with elaborately

decorated floats ridden by costumed members who

toss trinkets to the crowds

***”Throws” include strings of plastic beads,

cups, doubloons, and more.

Benefits of Mardi Gras***Draws 3 million (3,000,000) people

***Gains $1,000,000 billion for the local economy

***Educates local residents and tourists about Louisiana history and culture

***Allows residents time to celebrate personal heritage and traditions

Jazz and Heritage Festival

***Held annually in New Orleans in April or May

***Celebrates the music of Louisiana and the music Louisiana has influenced

including the following:

Jazz Blues Funk Rock Cajun Zydeco

***Festivities include music and food as

well as crafts, paintings, dancing and more