French in Louisiana
French has been part of Louisiana for more than three centuries, but here it took on forms unlike anywhere else. Among these is Louisiana Creole French, also known as Kouri-Vini — a language born from the blending of French, Spanish, African, and Indigenous influences. It was spoken by enslaved Africans, free people of color, and European settlers, becoming a voice of survival and creativity.
For Creoles of Color, language was never just a tool for communication; it was a marker of identity and belonging. These communities — people of African, European, and Native ancestry born in Louisiana — carried traditions, owned land, and shaped cultural and civic life long before the Louisiana Purchase.
St. Landry Parish stands out as one of the places where this heritage was most deeply rooted. It was home to one of the largest populations of French-speaking Creoles of Color in the state. In Opelousas, Grand Coteau, and the surrounding countryside, French was the language of family, church, schools, and business. From landowners and teachers to farmers and musicians, generations here lived their daily lives in French, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape the parish today.
Although Louisiana Creole French is now endangered, St. Landry Parish remains a place where the echoes of that language still linger. Each word spoken, each exchange shared, becomes precious — a thread tying today’s community back to generations past.We're proud to partner with local businesses and organizations to bring you the best Creole Culture Day experience. See who we're working with this year!
Bingo as a Living Lesson
Creole French Bingo turns a game everyone knows into something much more — a chance to learn, laugh, and connect. Instead of numbers, players listen for French and Creole phrases, marking their cards as the language comes to life. Between calls, conversations spark: fluent speakers finally get the joy of using their French with others, while learners begin to recognize words, ask questions, and hear stories tied to the culture. What begins as play quickly becomes a living lesson.
Bingo has long been part of Louisiana’s community life — a staple at churches, fundraisers, and neighborhood halls. Here in St. Landry Parish, where French once filled classrooms, churches, and homes, this version carries special meaning. It brings people together across generations, reimagining a familiar pastime as a tool for cultural preservation.
At Creole Culture Day, the atmosphere is welcoming and fun. Families, children, and elders sit side by side, playing for small prizes while picking up phrases that might otherwise be lost. For those who grew up speaking Louisiana Creole French, it is a joyful opportunity to share their language in public. For those new to it, it’s an easy introduction — a chance to learn words, phrases, and stories in a playful way.
Most importantly, Creole French Bingo is free and open to everyone. It shows that preserving language doesn’t always have to feel like work — it can also be laughter, friendly competition, and the simple joy of sitting at a table together. In St. Landry Parish — a heartland of French-speaking Creoles — every round is proof that culture can be kept alive not only through books and classrooms, but through community, connection, and play.