Cecilia Needs a Blog Because.....

In April (2015), Business Insider published a list of the 50 most affordable small towns in America and Cecilia came in at number 27. We were excited about that and rushed to their website to see what they said about us and how we were chosen. What we found was absolutely outrageous and only serves to underscore that we should fact-check everything we read online, no matter what kind of “trusted source” it comes from.
This photo is of the Post Office in Cecilia. Doesn't matter. Our address is still Breaux Bridge.

Business Insider said that Cecilia is a town named after Saint Cecilia, in which 5.5% of residents speak Cajun or Creole French and where housing can be had for less than 30% of workers’ incomes. There is no way in this world that any of that is true.

In reality, Cecilia is not a town. It is a Census Designated Place, named after Cecilia Lastrapes (the first postmistress) and our address is Breaux Bridge. Plus, 42.6% of the people here speak Cajun or Creole French, including 20.25% of the children. Just go stand in "The Pig" or in their parking lot and listen. The sheer numbers of people speaking French will show how deeply that language is ingrained in our culture. Housing costs less than 30% of workers’ incomes? In Cecilia on what planet? Certainly not on this one! This is a two paycheck town and there's no way around it. 

It is obvious that no one from the American Community Survey or Business Insider has ever been to Cecilia or they would have known that Cecilia is not a town, most of the people speak at least some French, and living here is not cheap. So - what is it about this little Census Designated Place that brings people here and keeps them here?

…and that is the reason for this blog. We love our French, Spanish, and Native American  history, but it is who we are today that keeps our little corner of the Atchafalaya Basin so vibrant.

We hope you enjoy “Cecilia Online” and use it often to connect to the people and things you need. Your comments and participation are welcome, including submissions for your own written work.