Do Now Complete the Do Now When complete

Do Now • Complete the Do Now. • When complete, get out your materials and wait quietly for it to be picked up.

Louisiana’s Festival Grade 8 Louisiana History Estelle School

Key Terms • Gumbo • Jambalaya • Mardi Gras

Objectives • Describe the causes and effects of cultural diffusion and effects of cultural diversity in Louisiana. • Describe the contributions of ethnic groups significant in Louisiana history. • Explain cultural elements that have shaped Louisiana’s state heritage (e. g. , festivals, music, dance, food, languages).

Why did people ever start having festivals? • To celebrate the passing of a successful harvest • To celebrate a region’s culture • To have fun

Why do people hold festivals? • To celebrate culture, life, and have fun • But also to raise money for the community • Tourism dollars are huge and very important to Louisiana and its people

August and September • Officially, Labor Day Weekend is the kickoff of Louisiana Festival Season. • Frog Fest is Acadia Parish • Festival Acadians in St. Landry Parish

October and November • The Red River Revel • Tamale Festival • Giant Omelette Festival in Vermillion Parish • Pecan Festival in Colfax • Voodoo Fest in New Orleans

December and January • Festival of lights in Natchitoches • St. James Bonfires • Creole Heritage Day Celebrate in Natchitoches

March and April • St. Patrick’s Day in Baton Rouge and New Orleans • Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival • New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

May, June, and July • Crawfish Fest in Breaux Bridge • Jambalaya Fest in Gonzales • Peach Fest in Ruston

Mardi Gras • Biggest Festival in Louisiana • Millions of tourist come from across the planet to celebrate Mardi Gras • Its celebrated in nearly every corner in Louisiana

Summary • What was the main purpose for the first fall festivals? • Give two examples of Louisiana festivals that celebrate connections with other cultures. • What are two festivals that celebrate a holiday? • What is an example of a festival that honors a specific ethnic group? • Name two kinds of Louisiana music featured at festivals. • What is the religious purpose of Mardi Gras?

Activity • Complete the economic impact of festivals worksheet in your groups • Place the completed worksheet in your portfolio