Louisiana is an extremely diverse state. Its rich and varied cultures provide so many sights, smells and tastes to experience, not to mention fun. Here are just a few reasons why "The Boot" is an awesome place to be.

1. Food

Come on. Everyone loves food. It’s the thing that gives your body life. Louisiana is known for its Cajun and Creole cuisine. Cajun foods have the reputation of being incredibly spicy and dependent on frying. Creole is influenced by traditional French cooking with influences of Spanish, African and Indian aspects. You’ll find foods like gumbo, etouffee, jambalaya, and crawfish boils every other Saturday.

2. Music

New Orleans was the birthplace of Jazz. The music genre originated from African American communities in the late 1900’s and early 20^th century. Jazz encompasses a wide range of music, making it hard to define. It incorporates European harmony, the bass brand tradition and African musical elements. Other popular music genres include swing, blues, ragtime and Bebop.

3. Festivals

In my hometown, we had Howdy Neighbor Day. There was always food, music, prize raffles and face painting. Festivals happen year round for just about anything. Louisiana is known for festivals such as New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Louisiana Catfish Festival, Voodoo experience, Bayou Country Superfest and especially Mardi Gras. At any given time, there’s a good chance of a festival, and people from all around come to them.

4. Sports

Often called sportsman’s paradise, sports are very popular in Louisiana. Football is the most popular sport throughout the state. Sports such as hunting and fishing are also very popular.

5. Religion

Louisiana is a cultural mixing pot when it comes to people and their religions. Due to predominately French and Spanish colonial control, the first non-Native American religion was Roman Catholicism. After the Louisiana Purchase, Protestantism was brought to the territory. Other religions such as Buddhism and Islam have recently been introduced. New Orleans is also known for voodoo practices.

6. The people

I don’t know how many news outlets have been covering the story, or how many people have heard what’s recently been happening in Louisiana. Not too long ago, North Louisiana flooded, and now South Louisiana is in the aftermath of yet another flood. Thousands have been evacuated and the last time I heard, at least a dozen people have died. A lot of people have lost so much. The thing that is keeping people going, is the fact when something like this happens, there’s always people showing up to help despite our differences.