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There are plenty of places for arts and culture lovers throughout the entire country, but what makes Louisiana unique is the deep influences of Cajun culture. The French-speaking Acadian refugees were exiled from their homes in what is now Nova Scotia and settled along the bayous and swamps of Louisiana, taking their skills and traditions with them. Here are some places and events in and around Lafayette, LA where locals and visitors can enjoy the best of Cajun arts and culture.
Acadiana Center for the Arts
Having been around since 1975, the Center for the Arts is on a continuous mission to promote art and culture throughout the area. From music shows to theater performances, workshops, or large galleries that resemble those of a museum, plus many more activities, this is truly a hotspot for cultural events in Lafayette. They also work with local educational facilities and they estimate that around 18,600 students and 950 educators benefit from their programs that include art in education practices.
Lafayette Science Museum
Lovers of science, history, and technology will find plenty of interesting things here, throughout the many exhibitions, interactive experiences and films, planetarium shows, and other programs. It’s located in a building that has received many awards for its use of interior space and has plenty to offer its visitors, no matter their age. Parts of the museum can be used for school tours, special shows, or parties, so everyone can make the most out of this educational experience.
Cajun Boudin Trail
A huge part of Cajun culture is its cuisine and the Cajun Boudin Trail is the perfect place to discover Louisiana’s delicious boudin specialties. Award-winning cooks will delight you with dishes such as special boudin sausages and cheese balls, pork chop sandwiches, smoked meats, chili dogs, beef jerky, and many more.
Lafayette Ballet Theatre
Founded in 1982, Lafayette Ballet Theatre enhances the local art scene with a classical ballet company. Also featuring an official school, the Dance Conservatory, the ballet theatre gives local artists and aspiring artists a chance to access a scholarship program that introduces them to the art of ballet. They do a great job in helping the local community, with over 2500 underprivileged kids having free access to shows each year.
Le Festival de Mardi Gras a Lafayette
Last but certainly not least, the most famous and grandiose celebrations in the world, Mardi Gras a Lafayette! The party arrives in Lafayette, LA at the beginning of every March and takes place at Cajun Field on Cajundome Boulevard. The colorful event features marching bands, people in costumes, delicious traditional local food, extravagant balls and plenty more.
Culture and arts should play a significant part in anyone’s life, from childhood to adulthood. Luckily for people in and around Lafayette, Louisiana, the rich Cajun culture provides countless cultural opportunities for everyone.
Image via Flickr by Infrogmation of New Orleans used under CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
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