Dance

Dance plays a very important role in Cajun life. Here, the “fais dodo” tradition reigns supreme. Originally, several families would gather on Saturday nights for “house dances” and put their children to sleep in an adjoining room or building. “Go to sleep while your parents dance all night,” they would say…

Today, this tradition is still very much alive, even though children are no longer brought to the “fais dodo.” Every Saturday night, Cajun bands play with enthusiasm, and dancers let loose. It is a true lesson in joie de vivre. What is most striking is the age of the dancers, ranging from 20 to well into their 90s!

And if you are invited, it is not uncommon for your silver-haired partner to outlast you on the dance floor. It is said that as many old people die on the “fais dodo” dance floors as in their own beds.