Acadian Day (August 15)
Today, in my neck of the woods, we’re celebrating Acadian Day(August 15). It’s mainly celebrated for the past 400 years+ by the Acadians, (a group of French-Canadians here in Canada) as their day of national pride and identity. Some of their French -Canadian counterparts left Canada centuries ago and have settled in Louisiana,becoming as we say now, Cajuns.
It’s a holiday like no other as if it’s their independence day in a way.
Their cuisine reflects centuries of history as they struggled as new settlers in Canada. The way they made their dishes speaks of practicality yet charm as it exudes uniqueness in character and flavor.
Regular Acadian dishes like Acadian pea soup,chicken fricot( a form of chicken stew), apple dumplings,headcheese( pork head/pork hocks cooked in a way like ham),meat pie and poutine rapee(boiled and peeled potatoes made into a ball with pork stuffed within it) for example are usually highlighted today.
Lively celebrations are rampant today as well. French music abounds as well. Kite flying beckons and the Acadian flags are all around!
Bonne Fete Acadie!
Josie