Louisiana Creole people

Louisiana Creole people are those who are descended from the colonial settlers of Louisiana, especially those of colonial French or Spanish descent. The term creole was originally used by French settlers to distinguish those born in Louisiana from those born in the mother country or elsewhere. As in many other colonial societies around the world, creole was a term used to mean those who were ""native-born"".Louisiana Creoles have common European heritage and share cultural ties, such as the traditional use of the French language and may include the continuing practice of Catholicism. In addition, some Creole people may have African or Native American ancestry as well.Later immigrants to New Orleans, such as Irish, Germans and Italians, also married into the Creole groups. Louisiana Creoles are mostly Catholic in religion. Through the 19th century, most spoke French and were strongly connected to French colonial culture. They have had a major impact on the state's culture; hence, Louisiana is known as the Creole State.While the sophisticated Creole society of New Orleans has historically received much attention, the Cane River area in northwest Louisiana also developed its own strong Creole culture, as did several enclaves in south Louisiana: Frilot Cove, Bois Mallet, Grand Marais, Palmetto, Lawtell, and others. These communities have had a long history of cultural independence.