The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s 49th Annual Lagniappe Day is to take place April 21.
In Cajun French, the word “lagniappe” means “a little something extra.” Lagniappe Day is a tradition that started in 1974 and has continued as “a little something extra” for the students every spring.
The university’s website calls Lagniappe Day a “time-honored University tradition that gives students a chance to relax during a stressful spring semester.”
The activities at last year’s Lagniappe Day included canoe races in Cypress Lake, a jalapeño eating contest, the swamp jump and the crawfish boil.
The traditional swamp jump is when University Program Council (UPC) and Student Government Association (SGA) members jump into Cypress Lake.
The annual crawfish boil is a high point of Lagniappe Day, and it is for all of campus. The university’s website states 10,000 pounds of crawfish is boiled for the day.
The University has given students the day off in 2020 and 2021, but students were not given the day off last year. There is currently no official information regarding students getting the day off this year.
Multiple students shared their thoughts about Lagniappe Day and are looking forward to the day of festivities around campus.
Trinity McLaurin, a sophomore majoring in early childhood education, is looking forward to the break from school.
“Just to be on campus and actually having a break. I don’t have to do anything. I can actually be here and chill for once,” McLaurin said.
McLaurin also shared that she’s looking forward to attending the event with her friends.
Caleigh Meche, a junior majoring in computer science, is looking forward to jumping in the swamp.
“I do plan on going. I will jump in the swamp. I have heard of it before, mostly from orientation. I haven’t heard anyone talking about it actually. I am very excited to jump in that swamp,” Meche said.
Hannah Hunt, a freshman nursing major, has been to a previous Lagniappe Day when she was little but is excited to attend as a student of UL Lafayette.
“This is the first one I’m actually attending as a student. I’m just kind of excited to just be there,” Hunt said.
Megan Ivey, a sophomore majoring in industrial design, said she’s excited. She hasn’t been before but plans on going this semester.
Reagan Richey, a freshman majoring in nursing, shared her disappointment in having to miss Lagniappe Day this semester.
“I was really looking forward to the crawfish boil because I had heard a lot about it in high school. I have to miss it though because I’m going to see Taylor Swift in concert.”
Richey also shared her interest in the swamp jump.
“I don’t know why, but I really want to jump in the swamp,” Richey said.
Some students aren’t sure about Lagniappe Day and what it’s about.
Noor Azzam, a junior majoring in biology, doesn’t think she will attend Lagniappe Day.
“I have heard about Lagniappe day, but I’m not sure what it is,” Azzam said.