Festival International de Louisiane returns to downtown Lafayette, Louisiana for its 40th anniversary, April 22–26, 2026, bringing together more than 45 live music acts across five outdoor stages for one of the largest free international music festivals in the United States. From Louisiana zydeco and Cajun French traditions to world music spanning Mali, Cuba, South Africa, Jamaica, Peru, Scotland, South …
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Lafayette is a bustling city in the heart of southwest Louisiana that defies the norms of middle America. Known locally as a “little-big town” and once you arrive, you will understand why. It has the energy and ambition of a bigger city, yet everywhere you turn there are signs of tradition. Family recipes have been passed down for generations. Lifestyles …
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Lake Martin Breaux Bridge (Louisiana) (Picture gallery below) Lake Martin is a place that I have included both in my things to do in Louisiana and things to do in Lafayette. Lake Martin is a swamp-lake located in Breaux Bridge, just a short drive from downtown Lafayette. If I am not mistaken, the Lake was originally formed hundreds of years …
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Inside a Louisiana Style Crawfish Boil Crawfishin’ it’s a Cajun thing The Cajun people have made a name for themselves in recent years. For a long time, Louisiana, thanks to Cajun and other creole cuisines, has developed its reputation for being home to some of the most flavorful food in America. Chefs from all around come to south Louisiana to …
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Want to see an alligator in Louisiana? Perhaps even hold a baby alligator? Louisiana alligators are an integral part of the ecosystem and frankly Louisiana just wouldn’t be the same without them. When planning your visit to Louisiana seeing an alligator is one of the top things to do! Where is the best place to find one? It depends. It depends …
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Holi Lafayette has become one of the most anticipated annual events. In preparation for Holi festival 2018, here’s a tribute video to the Lafayette Holi in Louisiana. Are you prepared to party this spring? In the last few years the adoption of Holi in America has become increasingly widespread. While there are many imitations, few festivals seem to capture the …
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A Quick Tour of Southern Louisiana This was an eventful weekend in Louisiana. One that I will certainly remember for some time now. The weekend actually started on Thursday for me. There was a party and celebration that turned out to be a birthday celebration for me. We shared food and spirits, and danced the night away to a variety …
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A new learning experience… Well, last Sunday I went to a local mercado in Lafayette to take part in a celebration of Mexican Independence. Before going, I knew very little of what the independence was about or what the significance of this particular day, which was September 15th. I asked a few people, but most just said it was Mexican …
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Antique Market in Louisiana One of the great things about living in a small-historically rich state called Louisiana is the abundance of relics and cultural legacies that are left behind for generations. Traditionally, the modern history of the United States is a relatively young one. Therefore, finding antiques in the United States can be a real treat as the majority …
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Rubboards, Zydeco Beats and Louisiana Flair The Heart and Soul of the Cajun Culture In my travels, I have been amazed by the fact that so many people know about Louisiana music. Before leaving home, I never knew the impact that the music had on different people from around the world. Typically, people know mostly of Louisiana Jazz music and …
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In the Mind of the Maker A Louisiana Documentary in the making Update: In the Mind of the Maker film is now available on Amazon. Quick Background: Charles Richard, a Louisiana native, is currently spearheading the production of a film called In the Mind of the Maker. The film follows an 84 year old Cajun man named Edward Couvillier …
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BigBlogExchange Begins Friday! What Louisiana story would be more complete without the inclusion of me with some alligator shenanigans? Today I am going to tell you a story that I just couldn’t make up. Seriously, this is true. Well, Friday is the big day. I will be beginning my new adventure with Hostelling International’s BigBlogExchange and flying off to Madrid, …
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Summer in Louisiana I think that we can officially say, summer has arrived in Louisiana. School is out, the temperature is heating up, skies are blue, and fun times are awaiting. Being such a diverse state, Louisiana is full of activities for all seasons. Summer is no exception. It might not be the festival season, or football season, but summertime …
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Louisiana’s “Big 5” We have all heard of the big 5 from Africa. You know how it goes, in Africa you HAVE TO SEE: an African elephant, black rhinoceros, cape buffalo, lion, and leopard. Did you know that Louisiana has a big 5 also? I bet you didn’t. In fact, Louisiana has a big 5 that are an integral part of …
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Lafayette Holi Festival 2013 International at home series: Article 2 This article is a continuation of a series that I write called International at home. Basically, I highlight events close to my home that help you to travel without traveling. If you are interested in reading more, please check out how to be international without leaving home. For people who …
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New Orleans and Lafayette Mardi Gras 2013 A few highlights in photo form Over the years Mardi Gras has become an increasingly famous celebration for all. Louisiana, particularly New Orleans, has become famous for its annual Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is a festive celebration of partying, beads, floats, and more. If you wish to read more on Mardi Gras, please …
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Breakfast in Lafayette La The best in Cajun Breakfast from Lafayette Louisiana Personally, I am a huge fan of breakfast food. Breakfast is not only the most important and nutritious meal of the day; it is also the most delicious, depending on where you go of course. There are many great breakfast places in Lafayette La. They are all known …
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A Christmas Service with Armenians International at home: Article 1 Not long ago I wrote an article titled, “How to be international without leaving home.” My intent with writing that article, was to give an introduction to this series. I am going to begin writing articles, when applicable, about international events close to my home. To show people how they …
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The King Cake Tradition The Louisiana King Cake and the legacy it leaves This past Sunday I went to a French King Cake celebration with some friends. At the celebration we shared both a French King Cake and a Louisiana King Cake in accordance with tradition. After eating both cakes, I thought that it’d be a good idea to share …
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Guide to Mardi Gras A quick practical guide to Mardi Gras from a local A brief history of Mardi Gras Mardi Gras is a festival with deep tradition. Tracing its oldest roots from European masquerade parties, Mardi Gras has crossed the sea and established itself in Louisiana. The first Mardi Gras of the United States actually took place in Mobile, …
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What to do in Baton Rouge A few highlights from the capital city of Louisiana Louisiana is known for its colorful personality and overall happy lifestyle. Louisiana’s capital city, Baton Rouge, is located in the south-central part of the State and does its best to uphold this lifestyle. Baton Rouge is actually not known for being the most exciting city …
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Quick Overview Parish Brewing Company is a local micro brewery in the greater Lafayette area with a tap room and tours every Saturday. Located just off of Highway 90, it’s convenient as an after work meeting spot or for a visit on the weekend. In this article I break down the brewery and share my experience visiting it since its …
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Famous Symbols of Louisiana Louisiana is characterized in many ways by its uniqueness as a state. This is true because of its cultural heritage, foods, and insatiable lust for passing a good time. In addition to these attributes, Louisiana is well-defined by several symbols that are unmistakably connected with the State. Below is a list of some famous symbols of Louisiana. Crawfish – Crawfish …
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Abita Springs, Louisiana When one is asked to think of a place that exemplifies community while carrying a status of a true southern Louisiana establishment, few towns fit the description like Abita Springs. Abita Springs is located just outside of Covington, Louisiana on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Abita Springs is not a large city, but rather a small …
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Louisiana words Louisiana has a very colorful history. Many people don’t know that Louisiana’s history is still closely relevant today. You might notice it purely in the culture. Or perhaps, in the cities; however, if nothing else, you will most definitely notice its history by the names you see when you visit Louisiana. Many cities, towns, rivers, lakes, and even …
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Small Towns in Louisiana Louisiana is truly one of the more unique states in the United States. I say that, not because I am from the state, but because I have seen what many of the others have to offer. Granted, each state has something unique about it, and there are some really beautiful places around America. Because of Louisiana’s …
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The Louisiana Fleur-de-Lis Although the fleur-de-lis has been symbolic in France and Italy for centuries, the symbol has become undertaken a much deeper and cultural meaning with the state of Louisiana. Over the years the fleur-de-lis has been cited for having religious, status, and even personal meanings. Today, the fleur-de-lis is an iconic symbol of Louisiana taking many forms. Businesses, …
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Pictures of the French Quarter A photo essay of the New Orleans French Quarter Below you will find a series of French Quarter photos. Taken from around the French Quarter, these photos represent some of the sights that the New Orleans French Quarter has to offer. The French Quarter is a very historic district in Louisiana. It can easily trace …
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73 Fun Things to do in Louisiana Here is a list of things to do in Louisiana should you be looking for something to do. They are not in any particular order, so do not think that they are from worst to best, least to greatest or vice-versa because they are not. The last number could be just as good …
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Facts about Louisiana This is an article including facts about Louisiana from a local. I have included a few random interesting facts, but others that are more obvious as well. Louisiana does not have counties. There are no counties in Louisiana. As a sign of our cultural history in Louisiana, the connections to the Cajun French heritage has yielded Parishes. Therefore, …
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My 5 Reasons to visit Louisiana Traveling through the states is always a fun time. The states are an interesting mixture of people, to say the least. Usually, people will stop in the major landmarks to see things like the Grand Canyon, or New York city, but often skip the other interesting things that the states have to offer. Truthfully, those …
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Backpacking Diplomacy by Andy A blog dedicated to sharing world culture, travel tips and building community.