The many unique customs and traditions of Louisiana have become an integral part of the daily lives of the people who live there. Since we are constantly surrounded by and immersed in the greatness of our home state, at times we can forget just how special the experience of living in Louisiana is. We can be reminded of this when we look at each of these different areas: food, culture, entertainment, sports and recreation. Food: Whether it’s red beans and rice, boiled crawfish, oyster po-boys, gumbo, jambalaya or alligator sausage, Louisianans always have something great cooking in the kitchen. There is also that secret family potato salad recipe that everyone has and swears is the best…and my family’s is, by the way.

Culture: First and foremost, we have de best accent and variations of speech, bar none. Whether it’s talking about dis, dat or de other, we do it with our own style. Next, if you’re looking for art, music or a place to socialize, we have it. The French Quarter has live jazz at almost any hour of the day, vendors selling their paintings in Jackson Square and even bars that stay open at inappropriate times for when you really need a drink, like during Hurricane Katrina.

Entertainment: If you are a fan of music festivals, Louisiana has Jazz Fest, the Essence Music Festival and the Voodoo Experience, among others. If you are looking to celebrate Louisiana food, there are many to choose from, including the Andouille, Crawfish, Cochon de Lait, Jambalaya, Gumbo, Oyster, Watermelon, Seafood, Strawberry and Sugarcane festivals. Louisiana also hosts heritage festivals, such as: Cajun, Creole, Italian and Los Islenos, for those who enjoy a little bit of history. The point is, we have something for everybody’s taste.

Sports: I have five words for you: The New Orleans Saints, baby. The Saints have had many catch phrases over the years. Who dat, Bless you Boys, faith, I believe and even the old school “cha-ching” have all made their way into the hearts of the fans. No matter how you say it though, it all equals one thing: the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints.

Recreation: For anyone who enjoys hunting, fishing, trapping or just riding through the waterways to enjoy nature, this is the place to be. They don’t call Louisiana “Sportsman’s Paradise,” for nothing.

While these things may be easy to overlook, they are an important part of what makes us who we are. Even when we do participate in these traditions, few people take the time to discover why we do these things, or even where they come from.

Dat Louisiana Column will be your pirogue through the swamp of Louisiana culture. Every week a different topic will be explored to discover what makes “the boot,” such an alluring place with a rich history that has mystified many over the years and continues to do so today. Whether you have just moved here, or have been here your entire life, Dat Louisiana Column will make you look at Louisiana in a whole new way. In the words of Justin Wilson, “I garontee.