News Summary

March marks the celebration of ‘le mois de la francophonie’ in New Orleans, honoring the French language and its cultural heritage. With a variety of events planned including the Fête Française and French film festivals, the city invites everyone to join in the festivities. From cultural lectures to immersive plays, there’s something for everyone throughout the month to engage with Louisiana’s French roots.

New Orleans Kicks Off Spectacular Events for “Le Mois de la Francophonie”

March is here, and that means it’s time to celebrate “le mois de la francophonie” right here in the vibrant city of New Orleans! This month-long festival is dedicated to honoring the beauty of the French language and its rich cultural heritage. Given Louisiana’s history, it’s no surprise that festivities are taking center stage in the Big Easy.

A Glimpse Into Louisiana’s French Roots

Back in 2018, Louisiana made a significant move by joining the International Organization of Francophonie, underlining the state’s long-standing appreciation for its French heritage. Did you know that around 150,000 people in Louisiana still speak French today? New Orleans maintains a particularly vibrant French culture, tracing its roots to when it was a French colony. However, the love for the language faced some hurdles in the early 20th century due to various language restrictions, leading to a decline in its use. Fast forward 60 years, and dedicated efforts are underway to revive French, especially through mandatory French immersion programs in schools.

Exciting Events Throughout March

With all this history, it’s the perfect month to jump into a variety of Francophonie events happening across New Orleans! Here’s a sneak peek of what’s on the agenda:

Fête Française: Mark your calendars for March 22, because this is New Orleans’ largest French festival! Set to run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can expect delightful French cuisine, lively music, immersive art, and top-notch entertainment.
New Orleans French Film Festival: From March 13-16, catch some fantastic French films at the Prytania Theatre. This festival will showcase both contemporary and classic films, all equipped with subtitles for your enjoyment.
Loyola University’s French Film Festival: Running between March 11-27, this festival will feature six amazing French movies, also with English subtitles so everyone can grasp the story.
Alliance Française de la Nouvelle Orléans: This vital hub will offer several cultural events throughout the month, welcoming everyone, including English speakers, to join in on the fun.
Portrait of Ludmilla as Nina Simone: Don’t miss out on a unique French-language play at Tulane University on March 18. It presents a thought-provoking narrative that promises an engaging experience.
Open House at Alliance Française: Curious about delving deeper into French culture? On March 19, drop by for an open house showcasing trial classes and a book sale!
Throughout the month, join in various lectures, karaoke parties, and documentary screenings to keep the atmosphere lively. One exciting event, “Olympism and Francophonie”, is set to open on March 25, diving into the ties between sports and French culture.
Don’t miss “Latab Kréyòl” on March 26, where you can immerse yourself in the beautiful Louisiana Creole culture during a vibrant social conversation event.
Speaking of events, plan to join in on March 26 for another documentary screening titled “In Your Eyes, I See My Country”, exploring the captivating culture of Moroccan Francophonie.
Catch the exciting screening of “Musique(s)!” by the New Orleans Foundation for Francophone Cultures on March 16 during the French Film Festival. This documentary features renowned Louisiana musicians singing in French and Creole, aimed at celebrating and preserving the unique musical heritage of the state.

Get Involved!

Tickets for these exciting events can be easily purchased online, and detailed schedules are available on their respective websites. So grab your friends, head out into the vibrant streets of New Orleans, and be part of this incredible celebration of French language and culture!

Cheers to le mois de la francophonie! Let’s embrace the rich history and culture that connects us all!