Louisiana’s cultural heritage is often characterized by its French roots, with its common family names like “Thibodeaux" and “Hebert,” etc. And parts of the state are known for their Creole, African or even Spanish influences, like architecture in the French Quarter.

But what’s less well known is the prominent Italian population residing in Southeast Louisiana. Tangipahoa Parish, for example, houses the largest rural Italian population in the United States, according to Sam Hyde, director of the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies at Southeastern Louisiana University.