A&E

Grand Réveil Acadien kicks off Friday

by Anna Purdy

A state-wide celebration starts today and continues for 10 days in cities across Louisiana to commemorate the influence of the French people in Louisiana and what this culture has brought to the United States.

A state-wide celebration starts today and continues for 10 days in cities across Louisiana to commemorate the influence of the French people in Louisiana and what this culture has brought to the United States.

Today at 4 p.m.at  Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles in New Orleans, there will be the grand opening of the celebrations. The cities of Houma and Lake Charles are taking part in the next several days with the last few days spent in Lafayette, wrapping up in conjunction with Festivals Acadiens et Créoles next weekend.

The main event planned in Houma for Oct. 9-10 is the unveiling of a new monument, Coastal Coup de Main. Lake Charles is planning to have days of activities for adults and kids at the Civic Center Oct. 11-12.

Lafayette, the fitting setting to the end of the Grand Réveil Acadien, is featuring Fête de Famille, Camp de Jeunes and well as a parade at the Festival Sunday, Oct. 16.

Each city is planning plenty of its own special touches to commemorate. Government and nonprofit bodies across the state are joining together to plan events and lectures as visitors from Canada, Belgium, France and others interested in celebrating the Cajun and Creole culture on American soil join in.

For a complete list of Grand Réveil Acadien comings and goings go to its official site.