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During the 2023 Texas legislative session, a bipartisan collective representing the Texas House, Senate, and governor all came together and agreed on something Southeast Texans have long known to be true: Port Arthur is the Cajun Capital of Texas.
Darragh Castillo of the Port Arthur Convention and Visitors Bureau shared the city’s plans for a celebration fit for the capital of a culture known for its gumbo, crawfish, music, and hard-working ethics. The revelry is set for Thursday, Sept. 21, from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Museum of the Gulf Coast, 700 Procter St. in downtown Port Arthur.
Dignitaries are scheduled to speak at 5 p.m., and include Port Arthur Mayor Thurman Bartie, State Rep. Christian Manuel, and a representative from Senator Brandon Creighton’s office to make an official announcement.
The celebration will include music by David Varnado and Jude Moreau, Cajun foods, a toast to letting the good times roll, and PA swag.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have led the legislative efforts with House Concurrent Resolution 61, this past session to have Port Arthur, Texas, recognized as the Cajun Capital of Texas,” Manuel said of his support of Port Arthur’s Cajun designation throughout the process. “I am proud of my community and the richness of the Cajun culture within District 22. Let’s immerse ourselves in the colorful traditions and delicious cuisine that make Port Arthur shine!”
Bartie agrees that the city’s residents help make that “shine.”
“Port Arthur is a melting pot, and that’s what makes our city special. We embrace the Cajun culture and enjoy everything that comes with it – the music, the food, and most importantly, the people,” Bartie said.
The celebration host site, Museum of the Gulf Coast, is also host to a litany of Cajun features and displays including recognition of Cajun, Zydeco, and Swamp Pop music. The “frottoir,” or over-theshoulder washboard, is a Port Arthur-created instrument also honored at the museum.
For more information on Cajun history, eateries, and places that make Port Arthur an upper Texas Gulf Coast destination, visit www.visitportarthurtx.com.
For more information on the Cajun celebration event, visit https://fb.me/e/ EOeO5U0s.