The tradition of Pie Day has not only lived on, it has thrived and moved northward into Lafayette.
The Center for Cultural and Eco-Tourism (CCET) has partnered with Vermilionville to discuss the history of Pie Day in southern Louisiana. Originally thought to be something called Jour de Tarte starting in 12th century France, it reflected the decree at the time that no one could work on Good Friday. Therefore pies, specifically fruit pies because they couldn't spoil, were made in advance and a celebration was accidentally born. It was revived by Leona "Tootie" Martin Guirard in the sleepy levy village of Catahoula. Tootie also happens to be this writer's great-aunt.
On Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Vermilionville, Becca Begnaud, Paul Begnaud, Claudette LeBlanc and Ellen Resweber teach and talk about the traditions of Pie Day in the continuation of CCET's In Your Own Backyard series that cleverly educates locals and visitors on the history of south Louisiana. The famous tarts will be served and concessions will be available for purchase. Call 482-1320 for more information.
The "real" Pie Day continues at the Guirard family property on Good Friday. And speaking as someone who has seen her family's 70+ year tradition turn into a local phenomena, it's pretty weird and cool that Pie Day has caught on. Keep it up, Acadiana. Tootie would have liked it.