Annual Heritage Celebration
A proclamation issued in 1991 by Governor Buddy Roemer proclaiming January 22nd as Creole Heritage Day in Louisiana was the beginning of the annual celebration that eventually outgrew its original sponsors. Initial sponsor was the St. Augustine Historical Society. They partnered with the parishioners of the Cane River catholic church of the same name to host the event on grounds there. The first official celebration was held in 1993 and continued under the sponsorship of the society until 2003. The sponsorship was then transferred to the Creole Center who has elected to move the date of the celebration from January to October.
The celebrations have traditionally included a presentation of Creole traditions such as the musicians and their music, the cooks and their food, the artists and their works, and of course the families and their connections across America.
The celebration of Creole Heritage under the sponsorship of the Center has continued this same presentation, along with an expanded program that includes educational components. The celebration is scheduled to coincide with the annual St. Augustine Church Fair and the Natchitoches Tour of Homes held the second week of October. A partnership has been formed with the committees of all three events to develop associated activities and joint promotion.
2006 CREOLE HERITAGE CELEBRATION Registration, Vendor & Exhibit forms are now available for the 2006 Creole Heritage Celebration & Expo. The June 2006 Postcard Updates provides overall highlights of this October, 2006 event. Additional information will also be included in a scheduled Creole Celebration update.
The 2005 Creole Heritage Day Celebration begins in Marksville, La. on October 5th and ends in Natchitoches on October 9th. Its theme of “Creole Destinations” will look at major Creole families across Louisiana. Activities will include panel discussions, exhibits, genealogy workshops, a Health Fair, banquet and Zydeco dance in Marksville and the annual St. Augustine Church Fair in Natchitoches. See information and registration form in the MARCH 2005 NEWSLETTER OR call the Center at 318/357-6685.