Creole Culture Day on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at Vermilionville
Creole Musician Cedric Watson visiting tables at the 2022 Creole Culture Day at Vermilionville.
The public is invited to enjoy a Free Festival at Vermilionville for the 21th annual Créole Culture Celebration on Sunday, June 11, 2023 from 10AM – 5PM.
We’ll celebrate with live music from Herb Green Drummers, Cedryl Ballou & the Zydeco Trendsetters, Francis LeBlanc, Gospel Group, and Donna Angelle and the Zydeco Posse.
There will be cooking demonstrations by Sweet Envie, our own Ms. Deloris, and and Nancy Tregre Wilson as well as a wine-making demonstration with Mr. Paul Cluse. Louisiana Poet Laureate Johnathan Mayers will share his writing and work with Creole language, and Joe Hall will speak about the history, changes and traditions of Creole & Zydeco music.
Other presenters include
Lawson Ota discussing Creole language
C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc. members discussing inventions and culture
Lafayette Master Gardeners providing Healing Garden Tours
Cheryl Montgomery sharing stories of the enslaved
Kevin Rees providing Broussard House Tours
Ivy Lemieux focusing on Open Hearth/Black Pot Cooking
Also, enjoy juré performances, storytelling, kids’ crafts, visual art from Erica Melancon Fox, museum, and photography exhibits, Zydeco dance lessons, genealogy experts, traiteur garden tours, documentaries, and much more!
Another highlight will be the presentation of the Richard J. Catalon Creole Heritage award to a distinguished advocate and supporter of the Créole culture. This year’s recipient is Ms. Lena Charles of the Southern Development Foundation.
There will be tables at the Performance Center representing the following organizations and individuals: C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc., Creole Heritage Center, Elista Istre, Nancy Tregre Wilson, and CODOFIL.
Don’t forget to join us on Sunday, June 11 for our Créole Culture Day event! Every year, C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc. and Vermilionville celebrates the many aspects of our unique Creole Culture in Louisiana. So much of our food, traditions, and music are grounded in Creole culture, and on this day we demonstrate and celebrate its many contributions to our contemporary folklife.
Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Admission is free. Learn more at the Facebook event hosted by Vermilionville.
Check out the videos below to learn more about the event.
