Here are eight quirky and unusual things no one tells you about living in Louisiana:
1. Louisiana Has Parishes Instead of Counties
Unlike every other state, Louisiana is divided into 64 parishes instead of counties. This unique term reflects the state’s deep Catholic heritage and colonial history, giving Louisiana a distinctive local government structure.
2. The State Is Home to America’s Largest Population of Alligators
Louisiana’s wetlands harbor nearly two million alligators, the most in the United States. Alligator hunting is a popular and heavily regulated activity, with thousands of hunters annually competing for a portion of the population.
3. Voodoo Culture Is a Living Tradition
In New Orleans especially, Voodoo practices blend African, Haitian, and Catholic traditions and remain an active part of local spiritual life. Voodoo kings and queens were once influential political figures, and rituals continue to draw both believers and curious tourists.
4. The Longest Bridge Over Water Is Here
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway near New Orleans is the world’s longest continuous bridge over water, stretching nearly 24 miles and connecting towns on either side of the lake.
5. Your Teeth Could Determine the Assault Charge
In Louisiana, biting someone with natural teeth is treated as a simple assault, but if you bite with false teeth, it results in aggravated assault charges — a quirky legal distinction unique to the state.
6. Mardi Gras Is a Statewide Celebration, Not Just New Orleans
Though famously associated with New Orleans, Mardi Gras kicks off a season of lively festivals all over Louisiana, with each region bringing its own unique traditions, music, and colorful parades.
7. Architecture Tells a Story of Cultural Melting Pot
Much of New Orleans’ French Quarter architecture is actually Spanish, representing the diverse influences that shaped the city. The blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American cultures is evident in everything from buildings to food.
8. Louisiana’s Lowest Point is Below Sea Level
Parts of New Orleans sit below sea level, necessitating unique engineering feats such as above-ground mausoleums in cemeteries to avoid flooding and water damage, adding an eerie yet fascinating dimension to the city’s character.
These quirks contribute to Louisiana’s reputation as a vibrant, distinctive, and sometimes strange place to call home.
Sources
(https://frostingandglue.com/facts-about-louisiana/)
(https://uniquelylouisiana.org/factsall.html)
(https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/fun-facts-about-louisiana/)
(https://k945.com/25-strange-louisiana-facts/)
(https://www.sos.la.gov/HistoricalResources/PublishedDocuments/LouisianaFactsBooklet.pdf)
