Gov. Jeff Landry signed a proclamation earlier this month naming the day after Thanksgiving this year “Acadian Day,” in honor of the Acadians and their contributions to the state.

Friday, Nov. 29, was named Acadian Day to celebrate the arrival of the Acadian people to Louisiana. The holiday will bring “recognition of the fact that much of the early economic and political development of Louisiana is directly attributable to the industry of the Acadian people, through cultivation of land, utilization of Louisiana’s natural resources and the interest of the Acadian people in political self-determination and American democracy,” according to the proclamation..

The Acadians originated from Vendee, France, and settled in what is now Nova Scotia in 1604, according to the National Park Service. In the time the Acadians lived there, their population increased from a few hundred to around 15,000, an article from 64 Parishes reported. 

Over time, control of the land changed, but it wasn’t until 1713 that the British took over. The British gave the Acadians the ability to own land, but their residence in Nova Scotia was dependent on their allegiance to the Crown and their church. 

By 1755, Acadians were being forced out of their homes. They were rounded up by the British, separated and sent all over the world. This moment in time is called Le Grand Dérangement, or The Great Disturbance, and it continued until 1764.

During the next few years, Acadians traveled far and wide to find their new home, with over 3,000 settling in Spanish-controlled Louisiana. When arriving, the Acadians had to adapt to their new surroundings. They grew and created their own culture and practices, including music, textiles, art and infrastructure. The Acadians also learned how to rely on the land, with some eventually owning plantations, becoming craftspeople and forging their own place in Louisiana.

Louisiana is known for its traditions and culture. A great part of that is Cajun culture, which would not have existed if it wasn’t for the Acadian migration to Louisiana. 

Landry’s proclamation says state workers will “benefit from an additional legal holiday during a time period when families traditionally gather together to remember their blessings and promote family values.”