How is "Cajun Country" / Acadiana different? (Lake Charles: construction, living)

[2ner]

How is Acadiana or "Cajun Country" different from the rest of the South or the rest of the USA? Do discernible cultural differences still exist? If so, what are they?

[Innotech]

The cultural differences are evident once youve been here. There is a distinct cajun/creole music that is popular. Restaurants play it, commercials feature it, the news does it. Its celebrated and loved. We feature a lot of symbols and imagery in our art, such as fleur de lis and a heavy emphasis on crawfish. French is used on signs and billboards, on tv, on the radio. Then of course you look around and see unique little local restaurants and dives catering to our local tastes. The outward appearance of towns and cities is nothing special or different but it is in the details that sets us apart. It isnt just a tourist thing.

[cBach]

The food is the biggest difference.

Dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, ettouffee, rice dressing, boudin, king cake, crawfish are unheard everywhere except Louisiana.

[CookieSkoon]

Some of the accents are unique as well.

[sluggermatt15]

The above two posts by CookieSkoon & cBach are excellent. Hit the nail on the head. Cajun living is a distinct culture. It is experienced and lived in Louisiana. I think also traditions and celebrations make it unique as well.

[CookieSkoon]

Originally Posted by sluggermatt15

The above two posts by CookieSkoon & cBach are excellent. Hit the nail on the head. Cajun living is a distinct culture. It is experienced and lived in Louisiana. I think also traditions and celebrations make it unique as well.

True! I forgot to mention how important Mardi Gras is there. America knows about it, tourists know the NOLA version, but it's really a legit holiday all over Acadiana.

I lived just outside of it in the "west Florida" region. Just an hour's drive south or west and the whole vibe was different.

The west Florida parishes were a lot more traditionally Dixie southern rather than Cajun, with heavy ties to Mississippi.

[sluggermatt15]

Originally Posted by CookieSkoon

True! I forgot to mention how important Mardi Gras is there. America knows about it, tourists know the NOLA version, but it's really a legit holiday all over Acadiana.

I lived just outside of it in the "west Florida" region. Just an hour's drive south or west and the whole vibe was different.

The west Florida parishes were a lot more traditionally Dixie southern rather than Cajun, with heavy ties to Mississippi.

You are very right. Lake Charles has the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the state, only behind NOLA.

[Montana Griz]

Can a far northern yankee ask a question out of pure ignorance?
In my 40 odd years of talking to various construction workers ....on Large Industrial jobs, I have heard the term 'Coon-ass'................I truly ask out of purely not knowing what it means.
I assume it is derogatory in some way or meaning........please explain.

[CookieSkoon]

Originally Posted by Montana Griz

Can a far northern yankee ask a question out of pure ignorance?
In my 40 odd years of talking to various construction workers ....on Large Industrial jobs, I have heard the term 'Coon-ass'................I truly ask out of purely not knowing what it means.
I assume it is derogatory in some way or meaning........please explain.

Derogatory, not really. Cajuns call themselves coon-asses. It's more playful than anything.

[sluggermatt15]

Originally Posted by CookieSkoon

Derogatory, not really. Cajuns call themselves coon-asses. It's more playful than anything.

Yeah I agree. My understanding is coon-ass is a badge of honor.