Culture and People

Our neighbors in New Iberia are some of the most courteous, interesting, and creative people in all the world.

The city is the setting for the national best-selling novels of local author James Lee Burke.  The movie, "In the Electric Mist”, was filmed in New Iberia and the surrounding areas. Many locals were cast in the movie which was directed by Bertrand Tavernier.  It starred Tommy Lee Jones as Dave Robicheaux; John Goodman; Peter Sarsgaard; Mary Steenburgen and Ned Beatty.

New Iberia is also the source of inspiration for local visual artists including Paul Schexnayder; Melissa Bonin; Lyndel Renoudet; Mary Schexnayder; Norva Mestayer; Chestee Harrington and the late jazz musician pioneer Bunk Johnson.

Local culture is held in high regard in New Iberia and is supported by groups including The Sliman Theater for the Performing Arts; Iberia Performing Arts League; Louisiana Folkroots; Iberia Community Band; Louisiana Crossroads; Iberia Community Concerts; Iberia Cultural Resources Association and the annual musical performances held live at the Gazebo in City Park. 

Whether it’s theater, dance, music or art, New Iberia has its own unique brand of each.