Welcome to Louisiana, where our cuisine is as vibrant and diverse as our culture!
Join us for an unforgettable Crawfish Boil, a delightful event organized by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to welcome our International Partners attending NAFSA and Special Guests to showcase the vibrant Cajun and Creole culture.
Picture this: a sunny afternoon, good company, and a table piled high with steaming crawfish. This is the ideal Louisiana experience known as a crawfish boil!
We look forward to sharing the warmth and hospitality of our campus with you at this exciting event!
Global Engagement of Science, Technology & Humanities Crawfish Boil Itinerary
Friday, May 31, 2024 7:30 am to 5:00 pm (Includes travel time)
- 7:30 am: Pick up of attendants at the New Orleans Convention Center (Details of Pick-up location forthcoming)
- 8:00 am: Attendees depart from New Orleans. We're off to Lafayette!
- 10:30 am: Arrive at the Student Union's front gate on McKinney Street 620
- 11:00 am: Welcome reception - Let the good times roll!
- 11:45 am: Walk to the Alumni Center
- 12:00 pm: Brace yourselves for the ultimate Crawfish Boil feast
- 2:45 pm: Back on the road to New Orleans.
- 5:00 pm: Return to New Orleans with hearts (and bellies) full of Cajun and Creole joy!
Food and Entertainment
Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey through two iconic dishes: boiled crawfish and vegan jambalaya.
Boiled Crawfish: A Southern Tradition
Crawfish, a freshwater crustacean resembling a mini lobster, is a staple in Louisiana cuisine. It's not just a meal; it's a social event filled with laughter, music, and the unmistakable aroma of Cajun and Creole spices.
To prepare boiled crawfish, fresh Louisiana crawfish are seasoned with a blend of spices, including cayenne pepper, garlic, and paprika. They're then boiled with corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausage, soaking up all the mouthwatering flavors.
Vegan Jambalaya: A Plant-Based Twist
For those craving a taste of Louisiana without the seafood, we present vegan jambalaya! This colorful and aromatic dish is a plant-based version of the classic Creole rice dish.
In vegan jambalaya, traditional ingredients like rice, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes are combined with hearty vegetables such as mushrooms, eggplant, and okra. Seasoned with Cajun and Creole spices and cooked to perfection, it's a delightful medley of flavors and textures that celebrates the richness of Louisiana's culinary heritage.
Whether you're indulging in the savory goodness of boiled crawfish or savoring the spicy kick of vegan jambalaya, Louisiana's cuisine promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
So, grab a seat at the table, dig in with your hands, and savor the flavors of Louisiana – where every bite tells a story of tradition, community, and Southern hospitality. Cheers to good food, good company, and the endless culinary adventures that await in the heart of Cajun and Creole country!
As you savor the culinary delights, immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats of authentic Cajun and Creole music and experience the vibrant energy of traditional dances. It's not just a meal; it's a celebration of Cajun and Creole culture, filled with great food, lively entertainment, and the warmth of community.
Cajun and Creole music is a genre deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Louisiana, particularly among the French-speaking Acadian people. It's characterized by lively and upbeat rhythms, typically featuring the accordion, fiddle, guitar, and sometimes a washboard or triangle. The music often tells stories of love, loss, and daily life, and its infectious energy can be felt in every note.
Zydeco dance is a partner dance that originated in the Creole communities of southwest Louisiana. It's known for its lively, syncopated steps and infectious, energetic rhythm. Zydeco music, often featuring the accordion and rubboard, provides the backdrop for this lively dance style. Zydeco dance is a social and communal activity, with dancers often improvising moves and expressing the joy and exuberance that define this unique dance form.
Together, Cajun and Creole music and Zydeco dance create an immersive experience that transports participants to the heart of Louisiana's rich cultural tapestry, fostering a sense of community, celebration, and shared joy. Whether you're tapping your feet to the lively tunes or joining in the Zydeco dance, it's a cultural celebration that's not only entertaining but also deeply rooted in the traditions of the region.
Transportation and Parking
Driving Independently
For attendees driving independently from the Convention Center New Orleans to UL Lafayette Olivier Hall Parking Tower, please use the following address 619 McKinley St, Lafayette, LA 70503, or follow these instructions:
- Head southeast on Convention Center Blvd toward Julia St.
- Turn left onto Calliope St.
- Use the right lane to merge onto US-90 W via the ramp to Westbank/Houma.
- Continue onto US-90 W for approximately 120 miles.
- Take exit 103A toward University Ave.
- Merge onto W University Ave.
- Continue on University Ave, then turn left onto E St Mary Blvd.
- Turn right onto Hebrard Blvd.
- Turn left onto Boucher St, then turn right onto Johnston St.
- Turn left onto E Lewis St, and the UL Lafayette Oliver Hall Parking Tower will be on your right.
UL Lafayette Bus Schedule
Guests opting to use the UL Lafayette bus service should arrive at the Convention Center's main entrance by 7:00 AM. Buses will depart at 7:30 AM, providing convenient transportation to the university campus. Return trips will be available by 2:45 PM to ensure ample time for the evening conference events.
- Be at the Convention Center's main entrance (location subject to change) by 7:00 AM.
- Buses depart New Orleans to Lafayette at 7:30 AM.
- Buses will leave Lafayette back to New Orleans at 2:45 PM to allow time for the last event of the conference.
UL Lafayette Buses
- Departure Time Leaving New Orleans to UL Lafayette: 7:30 AM
- Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes (137 miles)
- Anticipated Time of Arrival: 9:45 AM
- Departure Time Leaving UL Lafayette back to New Orleans: 2:45 PM
- Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes (137 miles)
- Anticipated time of Arrival: 5:00 PM
RSVP
Your presence will surely add to the warmth and vibrancy of the gathering.
Please take a moment to RSVP by May 17 using the link provided.
We look forward to welcoming you to our campus!