Baton Rouge literally means "redstick," but visitors to our city know that Baton Rouge means Old South beauty, Creole culture, Cajun zest, colorful politics and an all-around good time.
Named by French explorer Iberville 300 years ago for the "red stick" along a Mississippi River bluff, Baton Rouge has been shaped by a variety of cultural and environmental influences.
Our cuisine is a blend of Creole and Cajun, topped with Italian, German, Spanish, Caribbean and Greek flavorings.
Our architecture reflects African American and Caribbean influences, with large balconies and many doors.
Our language also reflects our international heritage. While visiting Baton Rouge, you will hear locals revert to versions of French in everyday conversation. Cher, a term of endearment, is not exclusive to the French or Cajuns in the area. Many of us will have an "envie," a longing for something, usually food. And of course, there are beignets, caf au lait, and etouffe. Fais do do, literally meaning, "put to sleep," means a party.
Today Baton Rouge's rich cultural tradition can be seen in our unique attractions, heard in our Zydeco, Blues and Cajun music, and tasted in our blend of Creole, African-American, French and Spanish cuisine. Baton Rouge is truly the center of Louisiana's cultural excitement. It is "Authentic Louisiana at Every Turn."
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Find Your Muse
The Louisiana State Museum-Baton Rouge will be honoring the sisterhood of these thought-provoking deities with the program
Balloon Championships
August 8-10, The Louisiana Ballooning Foundation presents The Louisiana State Hot Air Balloon Championships. Includes hot air balloon competitions in the mornings, balloon liftoffs.. more>>
Chris Shivers Bull Riding Invitational
August 15-16, the Chris Shivers Gerry Lane Invitational (CSGLI) comes to Baton Rouge. The CSGLI is a Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Enterprise Tour event that will feature the world's best Riders going head to head... more>>
One Book One
In the cornerstone programming event of the 2008 One Book One Community summer selection program, Internationally known author and Rwandan holocaust survivor Immaculeé Ilibagiza will address community readers at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 31 during a free, public event at LSU's Cox Communications Academic Center for Student Athletes. more>>
American Masters
American Masters from the Blanton Museum of Art's Mari and James A. Michener Collection opens at the Louisiana State University Museum of Art on June 27, 2008... more>>
Fireball Run 2: Back to the Track
The 2008 event will start in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and will zigzag through the coolest parts of America to finish in Grand Rapids, Michigan. more>>
Seein' Red
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