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The Many Cultures of New Orleans

We claim a rich melting pot of diverse history and traditions

French, Spanish, Congolese, Haitian, Native American, Creole, Latino, Sicilian, Anglo-Americans and a half dozen more nations and peoples converged on the high ground of the Mississippi to forge a new identity – one unique in all the world. You can call New Orleans “poly-cultural,” but we call it “magic” and it’s an experience not to be missed.

African American

African American culture has made New Orleans the authentic city it is today: Mardi Gras Indians, the Krewe of Zulu, Second Lines, the birth of Jazz, Voodoo, Congo Square and more!
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Cajuns

Cajun influence is seen throughout Louisiana: the famous seasonings of Chef Paul Prudhomme, crawfish boils, Cajun and Zydeco music at the Fais Do Do stage at Jazz Fest and more!
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Creole History In New Orleans

Creoles popularized the dice game craps, brought the Creole cottages and shotgun houses of the Marigny, and built the creole cuisine of restaurants on Frenchmen Street.
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French

French culture has always influenced New Orleans traditions; the French Catholics brought Mardi Gras, Catholic schools and jazz funerals. Learn about other French influence, here!
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Germans

German bakeries still thrive in New Orleans with Mardi Gras king cakes from Haydel's and French bread from Leidenheimer’s, and we celebrate German heritage at Oktoberfest!
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Irish

Irish settlers contributed to present-day New Orleans: St. Patrick’s Church, Gallier House New Orleans, Irish pubs on Magazine Street, Hibernia Bank and more!
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Italians

New Orleans has embraced Italians since before the Civil War. We still celebrate Sicilian St. Joseph's Day, love a good Muffaletta & call the lower French Quarter "Little Palermo."
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Jewish

The Jewish community has provided Mardi Gras krewes, Touro Hospital, Delgado Community College, Isidore Newman School, Rubenstein’s, Hurwitz-Mintz, the JCC and more to New Orleans!
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Latino

Hispanic influence remains strong in New Orleans. From “Mardi Gras Mambo” to the Cabildo in Jackson Square, Latin roots live on in this port city. Discover the Latin community!
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Spanish

The New Orleans French Quarter may be French in name, but Spain left behind the architecture. Spanish control of Louisiana in the 1700s has influenced street names to cuisine.
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Vietnamese

After the Vietnam War, many Vietnamese settled in New Orleans, bringing Vietnamese food, culture, language and more with them. Learn more Vietnamese history in New Orleans, here!
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