What is Louisiana known for:
Louisiana is renowned for its Cajun and Creole cuisine, Mardi Gras celebrations and festivals such as Strawberry, French Quarter, Chicken, Jazz and ESSENCE Festivals. Louisiana is also known for its vibrant arts, jazz scene and picturesque bayous. The state is home to several sports teams such as the New Orleans Saints, the Pelicans, LSU Tigers and Lady Tigers, and Tulane Green Wave.
Fun Facts about Louisiana
- Louisiana is named after King Louis XIV of France.
- Louisiana is the only state in the country with "parishes" instead of counties.
- Mardi Gras, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a world-famous event. It has been celebrated for hundreds of years and is a time of celebration before Lent begins.
- Louisiana is home to a large population of Cajuns. These individuals are descendants of a group called "Acadians" who were expelled from Canada in the 1700s.
- The highest point in Louisiana (Driskill Mountain) is 535 feet above sea level, while the lowest point (New Orleans) is 8 feet below sea level.
- Since much of New Orleans sits below sea level, mausoleums are often used instead of traditional underground graves.
- Louisiana is home to the world's largest bridge over a body of water known as the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. The bridge is roughly 24 miles long.
- Louisiana is known as the birthplace of jazz.
- The main character, Tiana, in the Disney movie Princess and the Frog, is loosely based on the life of famous New Orleans Chef, Leah Chase.
