March is “le mois de la francophonie,” a celebration of French language and culture. Louisiana, with its deep French roots, officially joined the International Organization of Francophonie in 2018. Although only about 150,000 people speak French today, the state’s French heritage remains strong, especially in New Orleans, where Cajun and Creole cultures thrive. French once dominated Louisiana, which was once a French colony, but faded in the early 1900s due to language restrictions. In the past 60 years, however, efforts to revive the language have grown, with French immersion programs now mandatory in schools to preserve this vital cultural legacy.] 

If you want to practice your French, immerse yourself in a new part of the city’s culture or have a fun night out with friends, take a look at the many Francophonie events offered throughout New Orleans this month.

Fête Française 

Magazine Street and General Pershing Street 

March 22, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The biggest French festival in New Orleans, Fête Française is an outdoor street festival hosted annually by the local French immersion school, École Bilingue. It will feature a variety of French food like crêpes, macarons and moules frites, as well as music, art, a “marché” and other entertainment. Helen Gillet, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the Klezmer All-Stars will headline this year’s musical lineup. 

Visit the Fête Française website and purchase tickets here.  

New Orleans French Film Festival 

Prytania Theatre, 5339 Prytania Street 

March 13-16 

The New Orleans French Film Festival, presented annually for the past 26 years by the New Orleans Film Society, is one of the longest-running foreign language film festivals in the U.S. The festival will showcase a variety of contemporary and classic French films from Francophone countries around the world, all of which will have French and English subtitles. The films will be playing at the historic Prytania Theatre Uptown.  

The festival’s schedule can be viewed here. The film pass is available for purchase on the festival website. 

Loyola French Film Festival 

Loyola University, Bobet Hall and Miller Hall 

March 11-27 

Loyola University is hosting the first edition of its French Film Festival, showcasing six French movies with English subtitles. 

March 11, 6 p.m.: “Le diable, probablement [The Devil, Probably]”
March 13, 6 p.m.: “Anatomie d’une chute [Anatomy of a Fall]”
March 18, 6 p.m.: “Banel et Adama”
March 20, 6 p.m.: “Notre corps [Our Body]”
March 27, 6 p.m.: “Saint Omer” 

See the Loyola Film Festival flyer and event locations here. 

Alliance Française de la Nouvelle Orléans: Le Mois de la Francophonie 

Every year the Alliance Française de la Nouvelle-Orléans hosts a rich and diverse series of events celebrating French language and culture. From author talks and performances to film screenings and lively discussions, the month-long program offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of French-speaking cultures across the globe and connect with New Orleans’s French cultural heritage. All events are accessible to English speakers. 

Take a look at the upcoming events and visit the Alliance Française website to learn more.  

French-language play ‘Portrait of Ludmilla as Nina Simone’ 

Tulane University, Dixon Hall Lupin Theater 

March 18, 2 p.m. 

Ludmilla Dabo, accompanied by Molière Award-winning musician David Lescot, sings a tribute concert and theatrical performance dedicated to the legendary jazz icon Nina Simone. 

Register and learn more here. 

Alliance Française Open House 

Alliance Française de la Nouvelle Orléans, 1519 Jackson Avenue 

March 19, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

For those hoping to get involved or learn more about French culture, check out the Alliance Française in person. Pick up discounts and promotions, attend free trial classes, take free placement tests and explore the $1 French Book Sale. 

Learn more about offerings and register here. 

Lecture: Impressionist Allies: Mary Cassatt’s Friendship with Edgar Degas  

Alliance Française de la Nouvelle Orléans, 1519 Jackson Avenue 

March 20, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

Ruth E. Iskin, professor emerita of art history at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, will lecture on her new book, “Mary Cassatt between Paris and New York.” She will then lead a discussion with Michell Foa, associate professor of art history at Tulane University. You can RSVP and even get the book 30% off here. 

French karaoke party 

Alliance Française de la Nouvelle Orléans, 1519 Jackson Avenue 

March 20, 8 to 11:45 p.m. 

Celebrate the International Day of La Francophonie! Bring friends to sing French timeless classic and modern hits and enjoy beverages at the bar. Register here. 

Short films movie night  

Alliance Française de la Nouvelle Orléans, 1519 Jackson Avenue 

March 21, 6:30 p.m. 

Every month, the Alliance Francaise hosts an outdoor film screening. Come on March 21 to view short films from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Louisiana and more. View the lineup and RSVP here. 

Author talk, signing: ‘French: The Story of the French-Speaking Cajuns of World War II’ 

Residence of General Consul of France 

March 24, 5:30 p.m. 

Attend a presentation and book signing by author Dr. Jason Theriot, a Louisiana native. This event is in partnership with The National WWII Museum. Learn more here. 

Exhibition opening: Olympism and Francophonie 

Alliance Française de la Nouvelle Orléans, 1519 Jackson Avenue 

March 25, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

Attend the inauguration of the “Olympism and Francophonie” exhibit at the Alliance Française, which will explore the links between sport and the French language. Read about the exhibit and register here. 

‘Latab Kréyòl’: Louisiana Creole Table  

Alliance Française de la Nouvelle Orléans, 1519 Jackson Avenue 

March 26, 5:30 p.m. 

A free social and conversation hour celebrating the Louisiana Creole language, culture and community. Enjoy food and drinks and learn from Louisiana Creole instructor Lawson Ota. Learn more here. 

Documentary screening, Q&A: ‘In Your Eyes, I See my Country’ 

Alliance Française de la Nouvelle Orléans, 1519 Jackson Avenue 

March 26, 6:30 p.m. 

Get a taste of Moroccan Francophonie culture. This film centers on two Moroccan musicians living in Jerusalem who grapple with their cultural duality and attempt to heal the wounds of exile passed down from their parents. They use music to reshape their judeo-Moroccan identity and musical heritage. Stay for a discussion with the filmmaker Kamal Hachkar. The film is in Arabic and Hebrew with English subtitles. Learn more here. 

Documentary film screening, Q&A: ‘Visages de Masques’ 

Alliance Française de la Nouvelle Orléans, 1519 Jackson Avenue 

March 31, 8 to 10 p.m. 

Join an exciting screening of Cameroonian visual artist Hervé Youmbi’s experimental documentary film, highlighting his artistic project “Visages de masques.” The project explores the West Cameroonian tradition of using hybrid masks in cultural rituals and explores the impacts of colonization on the global contemporary art scene and African ritual ceremonies. Stay for a discussion and Q&A with Youmbi. Learn more and register here.