April is a time of renewal and transformation! We welcome the beauty of spring and enjoy plenty of local festivals and other outdoor events from New Iberia to Morgan City. We may also encounter a few April showers but it's the perfect time of year to dance in the rain!
This month also brings celebrations of religious holidays as well as other days of acknowledgement and awareness for our community. Here are 10 special holidays and events your family can mark this April:
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Autism Awareness Month
April 1-30
One in 59 children born in the United States is on the autism spectrum. World Autism Awareness Day is recognized on April 2nd however the entire month is recognized for what is considered to be the fastest-growing developmental disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can can also connect with national groups like autismspeaks.org for more information, resources or to get involved.
We also have groups in Acadiana such as The Autism Society of Acadiana that offer information and support. Our local chapter serves Iberia, Vermilion, and St. Martin parishes. The New Iberia Autism Crew will be holding their members meeting and meet and greet this month as well on Tuesday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Teche Driving Academy for those who are interested in learning more.
There is also Brittany's Project in Franklin that focuses on and offers support for individuals with disabilities to enjoy life through recreation, social events, and other resources.
 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services |
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
April 1-30
All families need help sometimes and as parents it is up to us to stay informed. Take the time this month and make a commitment to learn new ways to strengthen child and family well-being. Find out more from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services from resources to ways you can get involved in your community.
You can get resources and parenting tips in the 2023/2024 Prevention Resource Guide that is now available on their website to download for not charge. The guide will help parents and society address concerns and bring awareness to possible root causes of child abuse and neglect.
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National Wildlife Week
April 5-9
Living in what is dubbed as Cajun Country, locals from New Iberia to Morgan City are no stranger to wildlife. The chances of running into bears in our yards, gators or snakes in our pools, and finding other furry or feathered friends in everyday life are not uncommon.
Visit the National Wildlife Federation to learn more. You could also make plans to watch a documentary with the kids about their favorite animal or do a fun craft to celebrate this week.
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National Student Athlete Day
April 6
This is a day to celebrate our student athletes! In recent years, there have been several schools in our area who have won divisional games and state playoffs. There are always games and matches being held at our schools from New Iberia to Morgan City that you can support. Make plans to bring the family to one of these events.
As a homeschooling parent with children who love the game of volleyball, I am working closely with a new venture taking place this year for Acadiana homeschooled students. The Acadiana Home School Athletics organization will be adding another sport to their program, the AHSA Commandos Volleyball team. This is the first homeschool volleyball team for Acadiana to have both girls and boys teams. Find out about the upcoming parent meeting, practices, and try-outs to be held this month. The group is also looking for community sponsorships from local businesses to help make this a success.
 Image by Tracie Ysaguire |
National Library Week
April 7-13
Libraries are at the heart of our communities and schools, providing a public space where all community members can come together to connect and learn. I have always loved my local libraries and made sure to share that love with all four of my children as early as possible. You can get so much more than just books from your local libraries!
My kids always enjoyed participating in the book reading contests, after school events and workshops, and I have created a few cool art projects myself in some of the adult programs.
Here are the links to the local libraries in our area so you can keep up with the resources available to you:
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National No Housework Day
April 7
As parents we know that housework comes with the territory. And as moms, we typically have most of the responsibility for housework. This is the day to throw the dish towel in and enjoy a some quality time. Whether that be the chance for some alone time to read your favorite book or even a super fun play day with the kids, this is the day to let the housework take a back seat.
 Image by Augie Barletto Jr. |
National Crawfish Day
April 17
Me oh my.. crawfish is the heartbeat of Acadiana! We have Breaux Bridge as "the crawfish capital of the world" in our backyard and many wonderful seafood restaurants and hot spots from New Iberia to Morgan City. This is the perfect day to get your crawfish fix satisfied and support our local restaurants.
 Image by Robert John Photography from Getty Images |
National Park Week
April 20-28
Celebrate America's treasured parks! National Park Week is a time to explore amazing places and discover stories of history and culture.
Did you know we have six days in 2024 that offer free entry to our national parks? One of of those fee-free days will happen this month on April 20th. Get the family together and plan a trip to one of our nation's parks or explore a national park near you. We have five national parks in Louisiana to explore this spring:
- Cane River Creole - Natchitoches
- El Camino Real de los Tejas - Louisiana/Texas
- Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve - Marrero
- New Orleans Jazz National Park - New Orleans
- Poverty Point - Pioneer
- Vicksburg National Military Park - Louisiana / Mississippi
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Earth Day
April 22
This is a great day to assess how your family impacts our environment and think about small changes you can make to help.
We have a lot of beautiful places from New Iberia to Morgan City where families can celebrate today and give back a little appreciation for Mother Earth. Enjoy a day at Rip Van Winkle Gardens in New Iberia, talk a walk in City Park and plan a park clean up with the kids, or head over Cypremort Point in Franklin for a day on the beach.
Crafts are always a fun way to celebrate and making something that is earth-friendly is a great way to acknowledge Earth Day. Last year we made bird feeders with items around the house on our bi-weekly segment with Alex Worstell on Good Day Acadiana. You can get connected with earthday.org for info on local, regional and virtual events and also get some resources for the kids like printables, crossword puzzles and other fun here.
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Passover
April 22-30
Passover, also known as Pesach — the Hebrew word for Passover — is celebrated during the spring, the time of rebirth. This holiday also celebrates social justice, freedom, and equality — very relevant concepts today. Here are eight common questions and interesting facts about Passover. We also have an easy recipe for matzo ball soup ... delicious!
Visit PJ Library for more information on this Jewish celebration and find books, games, and printables for the kids too!
Macaroni KID New Iberia loves sharing all the news, events, and local celebrations that include all families in our area. If you have any celebrations in your family for the upcoming months that you would like to see featured, please email suggestions to us at mackidnewiberia@macaronikid.com.
If your business or organization would like to be featured as part of a national day or monthly holiday and advertise your services, please let us know! You can also submit your local free or low cost events for review directly on our events calendar.
We'd love to hear from you!
