The 2024 Congrès Mondial Acadien has officially come to a close, marking another successful gathering of Acadian descendants from around the world. Held every five years, this international celebration of Acadian culture and heritage brought people together in Nova Scotia for a week of family reunions, cultural activities, and shared history. Some familiar faces in Zachary traveled all the way to Canada to connect with their Acadian roots.

We recently featured the Acadian flag raising at the train depot in Downtown Zachary. 

 A Journey to the Heart of Acadian Heritage

This year's Congrès Mondial Acadien was particularly special for the Boudreaux family, who visited the village where their ancestor, Michel Boudrot, the very first Boudreaux to arrive in Canada, lived and was buried. The experience was deeply meaningful, connecting them with the land and legacy of their forefather.

Throughout the week, family reunions were a highlight, bringing together distant relatives who share a common lineage. Alongside these gatherings, hundreds of activities celebrated the richness of Acadian culture, from music and dance to historical reenactments and culinary delights.

A Warm Welcome from the Acadian Community

The hospitality of the Acadian people left a lasting impression on the visitors from Louisiana. "The Acadian people were incredibly friendly and warm," said Kelly Boudreaux, a resident of New Orleans. "I gave my phone number to so many people and invited them to come stay in Louisiana." Kelly, along with her family, embraced the spirit of kinship that defines the Acadian identity.

One memorable moment was meeting the Premier of Nova Scotia, Timothy Jerome Houston (middle), who has served as the province's 30th Premier since 2021.

Former Zachary Mayor David Amhrein also had the pleasure of meeting Ben Cleveland, Mayor of Digby, Nova Scotia.

 A Special Encounter with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

A highlight of the trip was the chance to meet Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. Known for his connection to the Acadian community, Prime Minister Trudeau took time to meet with attendees, sharing in the celebration of Acadian culture. The Boudreaux family was thrilled to meet the Prime Minister, describing him as warm, personable, and genuinely interested in their Louisiana roots. The photo of the Boudreaux family with Prime Minister Trudeau is sure to be a cherished memento of this unforgettable trip.

 Celebrating Acadian Culture and Connection

Kathy Mier (holding the Louisiana flag with the white hat), a Thibodeaux descendant and former president of the Zachary French Club, spoke at the event.   

The 2024 Congrès Mondial Acadien was a powerful reminder of the enduring strength and resilience of the Acadian people. For those who traveled from Zachary, LA, it was an opportunity to reconnect with their heritage, meet new friends, and strengthen the bond between Acadian communities across North America.

For more information about the international celebration of Acadian culture, visit the official Congrès Mondial Acadien 2024 website at www.cma2024.ca.