While it may be done differently this year, the annual tradition of La Guiannee will still take place in Prairie du Rocher.
La Guiannee is a traditional French New Year’s celebration that dates back to the early 1700s in Prairie du Rocher. As part of the tradition, a group of singers perform traditional French songs, including the La Guiannee song, which can only be heard at this time of year.
In a normal year, the group travels around the community, stopping to sing at various locations. This year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they will not be visiting any homes or businesses.
Gerry Franklin, a member of the La Guiannee Society, noted that they will however be doing one socially distanced performance on Dec. 31. Some members of the group will meet at the Creole House, distancing themselves out on the porch, to sing at 7 p.m.
And while there will be only one live performance of La Guiannee this year, Franklin stated that they are taking the pandemic situation very seriously and are not encouraging people to come out to see them. This year the group plans to live stream the performance, and all are welcome to enjoy this special New Year’s tradition from the comfort and safety of their own homes.