Fête Dieu du Teche

On August 15, Catholics worldwide celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. In Acadiana, though, the date is also celebrated as the anniversary of the arrival of the French Canadian immigrants who brought this faith to Louisiana after years of great trials and suffering. 

In celebration, the annual Eucharistic procession will take place along Bayou Teche in the forty-one mile stretch from Leonville to St. Martinville—honoring the region's distinct Acadian Catholic heritage. Holy Mass beings at 8 am at St Leo's in Leonville, with the Boat Procession departing at 9:30. Stops will be made along the bayou in Arnaudville, Cecilia, Breaux Bridge, and Parks, landing at the Evangeline Oak in St. Martinville that evening. 126 Church Road in Leonville, outside of Opelousas. For more information, call 337-394-6550 or contact fetedieuduteche@gmail.com. fetedieuduteche.org.

Read Lauren Heffker's story on this tradition, along with our region's intricate and spiritual relationships with its waterways, in this story from our October 2020 issue. 

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