While I appreciate the dedication to maintaining cultural traditions, I am saddened that so many in south Louisiana place such heavy emphasis on "passing a good time" and not much else. I was born and raised in south Louisiana and it's very sad that there's so little emphasis on education and having thriving communities. This article is centered on the Mardi Gras traditions of Mamou in Evangeline Parish. To get an idea of what I mean, just take a look at Ville Platte which is the parish seat of Evangeline Parish and only about 10 miles away from Mamou. It's the poorest city in the state [1] and driving through it is very depressing.

Unfortunately, the attitudes and traditions are deep rooted. For many years Louisiana had a governor whose primary focus was on allowing and expanding gambling in the state. It was this governor, Edwin Edwards, who famously said "The only way I can lose this election is if I’m caught in bed with either a dead girl or a live boy" [2] while running against former KKK klansman David Duke. Imagine having to choose between these two individuals for governor!

On the other hand, if you like Cajun food and music and are serious about "passing a good time" south Louisiana is hard to beat.

[1] https://www.businessinsider.com/poorest-towns-in-every-us-st... [2] https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2014/02/20/ed...

always good to see another boudreaux on HN :) tell thibodeaux i said whats happenin

The funny thing I distinctly remember during the edwin v duke thing, edwin edwards would run off with states money, in the states chopper, gamble it offshore, then replace it when he came back. Meanwhile duke was using funds with unknown origin to pay crop dusters to paint his name in the sky. wild times.

Also might I add, Klan in Akadiana was on AOC 5 during this time.

Ville Platte is notorious for having a police department who still thinks it’s the 50s and can hold you for 24 hours without cause. And don’t even get me started on Iberia Parish.