Preserving French Cultural History, Heritage and Tradition

ERATH - The French people of Louisiana stand out because of their language, traditions, customs, celebrations and most of all, their pride in French heritage and culture.
The best way to preserve that culture is to preserve the French language and folk traditions. It is vital to immerse students who study French in culturally-enriching experiences that teach them about the lives of those who came before, and in doing so, instill in them the level of pride in their heritage that is necessary for Louisiana’s French culture and language to survive.
Les Amis du Français en Vermillon (Friends of French in Vermilion), a non-profit parent and community organization, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of French language, heritage and culture, and to the continued success of French education in Vermilion parish, is providing these enrichment opportunities and cultural learning experiences for Vermilion parish French students, as well as opportunities for them to engage with their heritage and utilize their French-speaking skills.
Les Amis du Français en Vermillon (LADFEV) recently hosted several culturally-enriching activities for students and families, surrounding the historical Louisiana French tradition of a “Courir de Mardi Gras” (Mardi Gras Run). The experiences included a cultural presentation, a traditional Mardi Gras costume-making workshop and the most exciting of all, an actual Mardi Gras chicken chase.
LADFEV began with their “Courir de Mardi Gras Cultural Presentation” for Vermilion parish Kindergarten through Third grade French students. During the fun classroom presentation, students and their teachers learned the history of the “Courir de Mardi Gras” beginnings in rural medieval France. In addition, they learned how this lively French tradition has been preserved with the current practices that take place throughout Louisiana rural communities.
The students had the opportunity to view the vibrant traditional Mardi Gras costumes used in the “Courir de Mardi Gras” celebrations. They enjoyed using their French-speaking skills to sing and dance to "La Danse de Mardi Gras", the well-known French song sung by the ‘Mardi Gras’, as they travel from house to house begging for the ingredients to make their communal gumbo. Students were given a “Courir de Mardi Gras” fun packet to share with family and friends, featuring French Mardi Gras learning activities, songs and coloring pages.
“Throughout the presentation, students answered and asked questions about the courir de Mardi Gras celebration and other French traditions, past and present,” stated Layla Melancon, Director of LADFEV. “They were focused...they were excited...they showed heart...they truly cared. Enjoying a glimpse into their past, their interest showed as they sang in French and danced to La Danse de Mardi Gras.”
Next, LADFEV hosted a “Children’s Traditional Mardi Gras Costume-Making Workshop” for elementary students currently studying French in Vermilion Parish. During this two-day workshop, the children, along with parents and family members, learned how to create the traditional Mardi Gras costume used during the “Courir de Mardi Gras” event.
“With over 65 participants, our children’s traditional Mardi Gras costume-making workshop was a huge success,” said Melancon. “Seeing the families have so much fun together learning about a piece of their French heritage and culture was extremely meaningful.”
The children were provided with all of the materials necessary to create their own unique costume. First, they created the shirt by gluing hand-cut fabric strips in a variety of designs across the front, back and sleeves. Next, they created the “capuchon” (hat) by covering a cone-shaped hat with fabric strips and decorative items. Last, they created the mask by gluing miscellaneous items onto vinyl mesh cut like the traditional mask. From bells and feathers, to googly eyes and pipe cleaners, the personality of each child definitely shined through their costume creation.
“Our organization recognizes the importance of adding a cultural and historical approach to the teaching of French,” expressed Melancon. “We know that for students studying French in Vermilion parish to continue using their French beyond their school years, they must feel pride in the language they are learning.
“Our costume-making workshop exposed students to an element of their French cultural heritage, and left them with a desire to learn and explore more of the French traditions of their ancestors.”
Last, LADFEV hosted a “Children’s Mardi Gras Chicken Chase” for those who attended the costume- making workshop. Wearing their custom-made costumes, the children had the opportunity to enjoy the part of the “Courir de Mardi Gras” French tradition that is most fun for everyone. In addition to the children and their families, many community members came to Erath City Park to participate in this historical cultural tradition.
“Events like the children’s Mardi Gras chicken chase help keep our French traditions alive,” added Melancon. “Because of successful community-based cultural preservation efforts such as this, we are able to witness a growing youth population who is developing a sense of pride in learning and using Louisiana French, providing hope that the region’s unique Francophone culture remains an enduring, active presence.”
Families and community members formed a giant circle, creating an area for the children and chickens to run. For 12 rounds, the very-determined chicken chasers huddled together with extreme anticipation waiting for Melancon to shout the words “UN, DEUX, TROIS...ALLER!”, signaling the chase is on!
With sounds of Louisiana French music over the speakers, the chickens were tossed into the air. These feathered friends had their chasers diving in every direction for a title of ‘Chicken Catcher’. Parents and community members laughed uncontrollably as they watched the children have a blast participating in such a fun Cajun French tradition.
“The deeply-rooted history, culture and passion for preservation is truly alive in Louisiana’s French country,” stated Melancon. “Our children need to experience this important sense of community that seems lost today in the fast-paced world we live in, filled with computers, cell phones and tablets.
“With the help and support of parents, community members and businesses, Les Amis du Français en Vermillon will be able to continue providing French cultural activities, events, and opportunities for students studying French to interact with the Francophone communities of Vermilion parish and Acadiana while using their French-speaking skills,” continued Melancon.
Melancon shared her sincere gratitude to all those who made the recent activities and events a tremendous success for children and families to learn and celebrate French cultural history, heritage and tradition with LADFEV. “I am truly grateful to the students, parents and community members who participated in all of our activities,” she expressed.
Melancon thanked Erath Mayor Taylor Mencacci and his family for providing the group the locations to host all of their activities and events for our children studying French,” she said.
“He continuously supports our mission to preserve and promote our French language, heritage and culture, and to continue the success and growth of French education in Vermilion parish.”
Melancon recognized Kylie Griffin, the Music and Band Instructor at Dozier Elementary school in Erath, and a founder of the well-known music group, Poisson Rouge.
Melancon extended her thanks to Jacob Landry of Erath, a co-owner of Industrial and Oilfield Services and Enviro-Resources for providing a sound system for the ‘Children’s Mardi Gras Chicken Chase’, and offering support to LADFEV with future activities and events.
Melancon continued by expressing thanks to Mr. Mario Charest and Mrs. Madeline DeHart of Vermilion parish school system. “The support and assistance of Mario and Madeline with our recent Mardi Gras cultural activities and our future projects, is greatly appreciated,” stated Melancon.
Melancon expressed her gratitude to Karen Thibodeaux of Sew What! Designs in Branch, Louisiana. “I am thankful for the unique traditional hand-sewn Mardi Gras mask noses that Mrs. Thibodeaux graciously donated for our children to use when creating their personal costumes, as well as the wisdom and guidance she humbly provided me with during all of the project preparations.”
Melancon closed by recognizing Warren Perrin, renowned author and founder of Le Musée Acadien (The Acadian Museum) in Erath, and true historian of Acadian culture.
“Mr. Perrin is extremely encouraging of our efforts to promote the Francophone cultures in Vermilion parish,” said Melancon. “He is an inspiration to me, and it is an honor to have his support with all of our French activities and events.”
For information on becoming a member of the Les Amis du Français en Vermillon non-profit organization, and/or making a donation to help them continue to provide cultural and enrichment activities, please email the organization’s Director, Layla Melancon, at vermilionfrench@gmail.com.