Here are 10 Things People from Louisiana Do That Seem Insane To Everyone Else

Step into the vibrant culture of Louisiana, where traditions and customs often defy conventional expectations. From extravagant Mardi Gras celebrations to the culinary delight of crawfish boil, Louisianans embrace unique practices that might puzzle or amaze those from outside the Bayou State. Join us as we explore 10 fascinating things people from Louisiana do that might seem downright insane to everyone else.

Celebrating Mardi Gras with gusto

Louisianans go all out for Mardi Gras, with vibrant parades, elaborate costumes, and lively street parties, a festive tradition that may seem extravagant or chaotic to outsiders.

Eating crawfish boil

Louisianans indulge in the messy and delicious tradition of crawfish boil, where pounds of crawfish are boiled with spices, corn, potatoes, and sausage, then dumped onto tables for communal feasting, a culinary ritual that might appear unorthodox to those unfamiliar with Cajun cuisine.

Holding alligator festivals

Louisiana hosts numerous alligator festivals throughout the year, featuring activities like alligator wrestling, cooking competitions, and live music, showcasing the state’s unique relationship with this iconic swamp creature, a spectacle that may seem eccentric to outsiders.

Practicing voodoo rituals

Some Louisianans, particularly in New Orleans, adhere to voodoo practices, blending African, Catholic, and indigenous spiritual traditions, a belief system that may appear mysterious or taboo to those outside the culture.

Building homes on stilts

In Louisiana’s low-lying coastal areas, residents often elevate their homes on stilts to protect against flooding from hurricanes and rising sea levels, a pragmatic but visually striking architectural choice that may seem extreme to those from drier regions.

Drinking chicory coffee

Louisianans enjoy coffee infused with roasted chicory root, a tradition dating back to the Civil War era when coffee was scarce, resulting in a distinctive flavor that may surprise those accustomed to traditional coffee blends.

Holding jazz funerals

New Orleans is known for its jazz funerals, where mourners parade through the streets accompanied by brass bands playing upbeat music to celebrate the life of the deceased, a lively and cathartic tradition that may seem unusual to those accustomed to somber funeral processions.

Cooking gumbo with anything and everything

Gumbo, a hearty stew with roots in Louisiana’s Creole and Cajun cultures, can contain a wide variety of ingredients, including seafood, sausage, poultry, and okra, resulting in a dish that may seem eclectic or unconventional to outsiders.

Wearing beads year-round

In Louisiana, it’s not uncommon to see people wearing Mardi Gras beads as everyday accessories, a nod to the state’s festive spirit and laissez-faire attitude toward fashion that may seem quirky to those from more reserved cultures.

Holding crawfish races

Louisiana hosts crawfish races as a form of entertainment, where participants bet on which crustacean will cross the finish line first, a lighthearted pastime that reflects the state’s fondness for unconventional forms of amusement.