Cultural Geography of

LouisianaDay 9

Culture• 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

Cultural DiffusionDefinition: 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.

Louisiana Music• 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

Louisiana FestivalsFestivals 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• Mardi Gras was first celebrated in Louisiana in

the early 18th 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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“Throw me something, mister…”

King Cake

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.

KrewesGroup 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.

Red River Revel Arts Festival

Louisiana’s Cultural Regions

Cultural Regions

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 GroupsAn 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 18th 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 19th 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 19th 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.