A couple of weeks ago, I had the honor of representing Louisiana on a mission to Quebec City. I met with several officials including the Ministers of Culture and Tourism. During our meetings we discussed the mutual benefits Québec and Louisiana could derive from fostering tourism between us.

Above: The Louisiana flag flew over the Quebec City Parliament Building in honor of our visit.

The main purpose of our trip was to participate in Louisiana Day at Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France, a festival celebrating French heritage. A couple of fantastic Louisiana artists came along to share Louisiana’s musical culture. David Greely and Joel Savoy of the Greely Savoy Duo brought down the house with their fiddles, and the Lost Bayou Ramblers shared our traditional zydeco sound. Both bands forced everyone within earshot to move their feet.

Above: I’m dressed and ready for the festival in my Napoleon-style suit.

I spoke to festival attendees about the shared cultures of Louisiana and Québec and expressed how Louisiana is a perfect fit for travelers from Québec. In October, a festival similar to Les Fetes De La Nouvelle-France will happen in Louisiana. The Grand Revéil Acadien (Great Acadian Awakening) will take place Oct. 7–16. The festival will focus on the traditions and culture of the Acadians, and events will take place throughout south Louisiana in New Orleans, Houma, Lake Charles and Lafayette. The finale celebration will happen at Girard Park in Lafayette Oct. 15 and 16.

I hope to see some of the great folks I met in Québec visiting Louisiana soon.