Every year, the town of Libuse holds a heritage celebration unlike any other in Louisiana. Whereas many festivals celebrate the Cajun culture of the state, the town of Libuse celebrates the influence of Czech immigration in central Louisiana.
Though Czechs have been in New Orleans since the 1850s, it was in 1914 that they formed the communities of Libuse and Kolin east of Alexandria on La. Hwy 28. Since 1984 the town has celebrated their heritage.
The 26th Annual Czech Heritage Festival begins at 9:30 a.m. March 20 and includes waltzing, polka, the chicken dance, live music, a children’s parade, a sauerkraut and dumpling eating contest, and the night ends with the Gary Cathey Band playing at a dance.
Czech food will be available, including sauerkraut and dumplings with pork, kolaches, strudel and poppy seed cake. Pylanky eggs (Ukranian Easter eggs) and traditional Czech costumes will also be on sale.
