Fun Fact Friday with Special Collections
Fri, 06/10/2022 - 12:15pm
Today we are beginning a weekend celebration of Creole culture. We begin with today’s post and will end the weekend with a display at Vermilionville’s Creole Culture Day.
Creole culture is different from Cajun culture. While both have their roots firmly in French heritage, creole culture has been much more heavily influenced by African, European and North American culture. Creoles arrived in Louisiana before the Acadians and were well established upon the Cajuns arrival. The Creoles made their home upon the prairies of central and south Louisiana. While the word creole can be a bit ambiguous, it has separated itself from Cajun. Today, many people refer to people of color of Francophone heritage as being Creole.
Creole music also separates itself from other genres. Items like the washboard and steel guitar can be found, which you would not necessarily find in Cajun music. Zydeco music is creole music, taking its name from les haricots (lay-zar-ee-co), the French word for green beans.
To learn more about Creole culture, music, food, and more, come visit the display Sunday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, at Vermilionville. We will have a display of selections from Special Collections and will also be available to talk to you!
View more photos on the Special Collections Facebook Page.
Fun Fact Friday is brought to you by Special Collections.