Spanish Influence in Louisiana

In modern Louisiana, there are many ways that we see Spanish influence in our culture. Some of the places in Louisiana
are named after Spanish people; De Soto Parish is named after a Spanish explorer. We also have place names that come
from the Spanish language. Two of our parishes, East and West Feliciana, for example. Feliciana means “happy land” in
Spanish.

Some of the foods we eat in Louisiana also reflect Spanish influence. Paella is a Spanish dish made of seasoned rice,
vegetables, and meat. Jambalaya is popular Louisiana version of this traditional Spanish dish.

Paella8 Jambalaya9

8
This image is in the public domain and is available online at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ValencianPaella.jpg.
9
This image is in the public domain and is available online at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Homemade_Jambalaya.JPG.
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Spanish architecture, or way of building, is common throughout Louisiana. One characteristic of Spanish buildings is the
balcony. The oldest part of New Orleans still has many building that have these balconies today. In fact, some of the most
famous buildings in Louisiana were built by the Spanish.

Photos of Spanish Architecture10

Spanish style balcony Cabildo St. Louis Cathedral

10
These images are created by The Louisiana Office of Tourism. They are available online athttp://www.louisianatravel.com/cities/new-orleans.
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 French Influence in Louisiana

In modern Louisiana, there are many ways that we see French influence in our culture. In many parts of our state, people
still speak French. Some of the places in Louisiana are named after French people. Our state is named after King Louis XIV
of France. La Salle, Iberville, and Bienville are examples of French explorers in Louisiana who have parishes named after
them. We also have place names that come from the French language.

Place French Meaning

Terrebonne “good land”

Rapides “rapids”

LaFourche “the fork”

Pointe Coupee “the place of the cut off”

One symbol used by the rulers of France can be seen throughout modern Louisiana. The fleur de lis is a common symbol
of our state.

Fleur de lis11 Louisiana welcome sign with fleur de lis Saints helmet with fleur de lis12

The tradition of Mardi Gras, Louisiana’s most famous celebration, was brought here by Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de
Bienville. When he landed the day before Mardi Gras in 1699, he named the place “Pointe du Mardi Gras” in honor of the
holiday.

11
This image is in the public domain and is available online at https://statesymbolsusa.org/symbol-official-item/louisiana/state-cultural-heritage/fleur-de-lis.
12
This image is in the public domain and is available online at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Saints_Helmet_sign_by_Reggie_Bush.jpg.
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