While local Acadiana may find this August 15th quiet, celebrations and dedications are being observed with fanfare elsewhere. Honoring their Roman Catholic faith in commemorating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven, Acadians chose August 15th as National Acadian Day in 1881.
Fête-de-Dieu du Mississippi and Congrès Mondial Acadien 2024, are drawing Acadians to the Mississippi River and to Nova Scotia, Canada his year.
Ten years ago, a new tradition, Fête-de-Dieu du Teche, was created on the waters of the Bayou Teche. This tradition reflects the importance of the Catholic Church’s Blessed Sacrament, particularly the Acadians’ dedication to Mary, and the Acadians arrival in Southwest Louisiana in 1765. This year the waterborne procession carries the Blessed Sacrament and a statue of the Virgin Mary’s Assumption on the Mississippi River, designated as Fête-de-Dieu du Mississippi. The two-day journey begins on August 14 at 8am Mass in St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge and ends the next day at the St. Louis Basilica in the New Orleans French Quarter. The amazing story of this momentous voyage of devotion is available at https://www.fetedieuduteche.org/fete-dieu-du-mississippi.
The Congrès Mondial Acadien is held every 5 years alternating with Canada and Acadiana in Louisiana. This year’s Congrès takes place in Southwest Nova Scotia, Aug 10 – 18, 2024. This international celebration of Acadian culture began 30 years ago and this year’s festival is sure to be as wonderful as the first one in Moncton, New Brunswick. Events include family reunions, cultural programs, plenty of Acadian music, and of course good food. Visit the Congrès’ website at https://cma2024.ca/en/ .
The Acadian Memorial Foundation wishes all Acadians everywhere in the world a safe and joyous August 15th.