I have thought long and hard about what exactly makes Louisiana such a unique place to live in the United States. The cosmopolitan culture layers African, French, and Native American influences throughout foods, festivals, and traditions. However, most of us already know that! What really makes this place so enchanting?

The epiphany came as I sat at the Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival, eating a cup of jambalaya and a peach snowball. Families laughing together, people passing by with the traditional Louisiana greeting of “How you doin’?”, local blues artists’ music filling the air.

JOY.

Joy is the secret ingredient of Louisiana.
We create joy in our roux, and beignets. Joy is the perfect pitch in our music. Joyful celebrations are the purpose of our festivals.