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…
Cajuns
Cajun influence is seen throughout Louisiana: the famous seasonings of Chef Paul Prudhomme, crawfish…
Creole History In New Orleans
Creoles popularized the dice game craps, brought the Creole cottages and shotgun houses of…
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…