Creole Culture Day: A Celebration of Heritage Through Tradition, Art, and Community

September 18, 2024 - In an interview, Milton Arceneaux, co-founder of Louisiana Creole Culture, LLC, shared the vision behind the 3rd Annual Creole Culture Day and the Creole Culture Exhibit, taking place during Creole Heritage Month. These events are set to highlight the depth of
Creole heritage and its vibrant presence in Louisiana today.

Louisiana Creole Culture, LLC, founded by Milton and his cousins, Fernest Broussard and Alfa “Mac” Sinegal, emerged from a deep passion to preserve Creole heritage. “We felt it was necessary for Creole people to tell our own stories,” Milton emphasized. “Many festivals are put on by those who don’t identify as Creole, but for us, authenticity is crucial.”

Milton explained that Creole Culture Day started with the goal of revitalizing Creole French. “We began by hosting ‘French Tables’ where people could come together and engage with the language,” Milton shared. Thanks to the support of Erica Melancon Fox, the Executive Director of Maison Creole de Freetown, the event quickly grew. “Erica helped us make this vision come to life.”

As the event evolved, so did its scope. “By the second year, we wanted to do more than just celebrate the language. We wanted to honor individuals who embody Creole culture in their lives,” Milton said. The team created a concept to recognize 20 categories of Creole people, from professionals to community leaders. “I shot the portraits in hard light black and white, capturing the depth of their connection to Creole culture,” Milton explained. The exhibit, held during Creole Heritage Month at Maison Creole de Freetown, was a resounding success.

This year, Creole Culture Day, held on October 5th, 2024, in Grand Coteau, brings exciting new elements. “We’re introducing a full boucherie this year, starting at 6:00 a.m.,” Milton revealed. “We’re doing the entire traditional process, including ribs, craklin, and more.” The live demonstration will highlight Creole traditions, with French spoken throughout.

The event also offers Creole French Bingo led by Patricia Harris, who hosts a weekly French Table in Ville Platte. “Patricia’s Bingo is a fun, engaging way for people to interact with the language,” Milton said. Additionally, the Genealogy Section, led by renowned genealogist Ja’el ‘YaYa’ Gordon, will offer guidance on tracing Creole ancestry. “Ja’el has over 25 years of  experience and will be giving a presentation on overcoming the hurdles of tracing Creole lineage.”

Live music will fill the day with performances by Nebu Nezey and Ava Mouton, DJ Dr. Boogie Live, Zydeco Roux, and David Sylvester. “Music is the heartbeat of Creole culture, and it’s a key part of how we celebrate,” Milton added.

Vendors will round out the festivities, offering food and crafts. “We’ve carefully selected vendors like Nina Creole, Southern Creole, The Bakery’s Jar, and Smiley’s Ice Cream,” Milton shared.

The Creole Culture Exhibit, opening on October 1st, will feature black-and-white portraits of 20 honorees from Acadiana’s 8-parish region. The exhibit will be open to the public, but the invite-only opening night promises a special evening. “We’ll start with the Black National Anthem, performed by Nebu Nezey and Ava Mouton,” Milton shared. “Young musicians mentored by Herb ‘Pucci’ Green will perform, followed by spoken word by Joshua Thomas and a musical tribute by David Sylvester. The night will be hosted by
Stephanie Smallwood as Mistress of Ceremony.”

This year’s exhibit is in partnership with Lafayette Travel and supported by the 2024 ArtSpark Artist Grant, which Milton received from the Acadiana Center for the Arts (ACA), Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA), and the National Endowment for the Arts.

As a cinematographer, Milton’s passion extends beyond photography. He’s currently working on three documentaries focusing on Creole culture. “It’s crucial that our stories are told through our own lens,” he explained. “These documentaries will debunk myths and tell untold truths about Creole culture.”

Milton emphasized that Creole Culture Day and the exhibit aren’t just celebrations but opportunities for reconnection. “We’re building a space for the community to engage with our history, pass down traditions, and unify.”

Both events are free and open to the public, offering a chance to immerse in Creole heritage. For more information, to volunteer, or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, visit creoleculture.com/events or contact:

Media Contact: Milton Arceneaux
Email: milton@creoleculture.com
Phone: 713-838-6770

Article was written by:  Dione Davis, PhD.