COTEAU, La. --- Lanexang Village will hold the 2019 Louisiana Lao New Year Festival on April 18-21 at the Wat Thammarattanaram Buddhist temple in Coteau, La. (7913 Champa Ave.)
The celebration is one of Louisiana's most culturally unique assets that draws crowds by the thousands each year. Lanexang Village, a small rural neighborhood of Iberia Parish turns into a vibrant festival ground with a global reach.
Lao people have a 40-year history in Iberia Parish since the first among them immigrated to Acadiana as refugees from their native Laos. The first generation built an amazing Buddhist temple withholding much of their traditions and customs. The added diversity and cultural richness have been positive economic and social forces in the Southern Louisiana cultural landscape.
2019 is the Year of the Pig which brings wealth and abundance, prompting festival organizers to adopt a "Crazy Rich" theme in its festivities. The 30+ year old festival is one of the most culturally unique events in the state, combining a parade, music concerts, Buddhist rituals, folk art performances and educational tours.
Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel is one of the Platinum sponsors. General admission to the festival before 6 p.m. is free. $50 VIP all-access passes are available and include reserved parking, food, a free guided tour, access to VIP parade lounge and to the Tea-time performance banquet. VIP passes are available on
Eventbrite.
Top things to know
• Louisiana Lao New Year has been celebrated in
Iberia Parish for over 30 years.
• 2019 is the Year of the Pig and the festival will coincide as always with
Easter weekend (April 18-21)
• It's becoming bigger every year
drawing crowds in the thousands to this small Lao neighborhood in Coteau.
• They are uniting generations of Lao to make the festival
more inclusive adding exciting new cultural and educational activities.
• Platinum Sponsor is Cypress Bayou Casino and they are
seeking more sponsors to help with making this a major festival for Louisiana.
• Visit the Louisiana Lao New Year
Facebook Page for more information.
•
$50 VIP All access tickets include reserved parking, food, a free guided tour, access to VIP parade lounge and to the Tea-time performance banquet.
Please contact Phanat Xanamane at 337-378-9469 with any questions or email
[email protected]
###
