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. 

Cajuns

Cajun influence is seen throughout Louisiana: the famous seasonings of Chef Paul Prudhomme, crawfish…

French

French culture has always influenced New Orleans traditions; the French Catholics brought Mardi…

Germans

German bakeries still thrive in New Orleans with Mardi Gras king cakes from Haydel's and French…

Irish

Irish settlers contributed to present-day New Orleans: St. Patrick’s Church, Gallier House New…

Italians

New Orleans has embraced Italians since before the Civil War. We still celebrate Sicilian St…

Jewish

The Jewish community has provided Mardi Gras krewes, Touro Hospital, Delgado Community College…

Latino

Hispanic influence remains strong in New Orleans. From “Mardi Gras Mambo” to the Cabildo…

Spanish

The New Orleans French Quarter may be French in name, but Spain left behind the architecture…

Vietnamese

After the Vietnam War, many Vietnamese settled in New Orleans, bringing Vietnamese food, culture…