International Club of SWLA

We are thrilled to congratulate Edwina Medearis for receiving the Rose Award in recognition of her outstanding service at the 5th Annual Rose Awards held at L’Auberge Casino Resort!

Edwina’s dedication and commitment to our community truly exemplify service and excellence. We are proud to celebrate her achievements and the positive impact she continues to make.

The event also honored other remarkable citizens who contribute selflessly to our community. It’s inspiring to see so many individuals recognized for their hard work, compassion, and dedication.

Let’s give a big round of applause to all the awardees! Visit Lake Charles

Last Friday marks a vibrant new chapter for Southwest Louisiana as we celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu in Lake Charles.

This beautiful new space is more than a museum—it’s a living tribute to the rich culture, creativity, and traditions that define Mardi Gras in our region. From stunning costumes to immersive exhibits, it brings generations of history to life while preserving the spirit of celebration for years to come.

Located in the heart of the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District, this new home features hundreds of historic costumes and interactive displays that showcase our unique Mardi Gras heritage.

Today’s ribbon cutting is more than an opening—it’s a celebration of resilience, culture, and community. We are proud to see this treasured part of our history continue to grow and inspire.

Come experience the magic, the history, and the heart of Mardi Gras right here in Imperial Calcasieu!

IMPERIAL CALCASIEU MUSEUM EVENT, I had the pleasure and honor of attending a wonderful exhibition celebrating the legacy of Enrique Alférez at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum.
Born in Mexico at the dawn of the 20th century, Alférez immigrated to Texas, later studied in Chicago, and in 1929 made his way to New Orleans. For more than seventy years, until his passing in 1999, he left an extraordinary mark through his figurative sculptures, monuments, fountains, and architectural details that continue to inspire today, leaving a lasting legacy for Louisiana.
It was truly an honor to meet his daughter, Tlaloc Alférez, and to connect with representatives from the Mexican Consulate in New Orleans. The evening was filled with dignitaries, including Mayor Marshall Simien, meaningful conversations, and good friends—an inspiring celebration of art, culture, and history. International Club of SWLA Lake Charles City Hall Lake Charles Event Center Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center

International Culture Festival 2025
International Club of Southwest Louisiana

September 20, 2025 – Lake Charles, Louisiana

The International Culture Festival 2025 was a major success, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd to the Lake Charles Event Center. The celebration highlighted diversity, culture, faith, and unity, showcasing the vibrant traditions that enrich Southwest Louisiana.

The attendees included families, students, local leaders, churches, businesses, nonprofits, the Calcasieu Parish School Board, and various community groups who joined in the celebration

Authentic cuisine from Latin America, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean, and Louisiana delighted attendees, with food booths seeing record demand.

Traditional dances, local musicians, and international guest performances brought color, energy, and excitement to the stage.

The festival created a platform for organizations, schools, businesses, churches, and cultural associations to share heritage and strengthen community bonds.

The Mayor of Lake Charles officially proclaimed September 20, 2025, as International Culture Festival Day, recognizing the importance of cultural diversity, unity, and community celebration.

The 2025 International Culture Festival was a vibrant and memorable event, reinforcing Lake Charles’ commitment to inclusivity and cultural exchange. Plans are already underway to expand the festival in future years, ensuring it continues to grow as a signature event for the region.

We sincerely thank the City of Lake Charles, The Townsley Law Firm Saint Henry Catholic Church, the Event Center, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA, Roman Catholic Diocese of Lake Charles, Lotte Chemical Titan (M) Sdn., CITGO Fueling Good, Phillips 66 Lake Charles Event Center, Simien For Mayor, Calcasieu Parish School Board shamiehlaw.com/wellness magazine Management Enterprise LLC, of freedom collective, financial LLC, sponsors, businesses, organizations, churches, families, and the entire community for your generous support of the International Culture Festival.

Dalia R. Matheus, CEO
International Culture Festival

https://internationalculturefestivalswla.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNVH3xleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYalhacjhhWjJkWWwyU3AwAR5crCTUMuZte0eqWgAM9_eSdezJF8njeL5eiaegTZ9bE-e03ZFlWl3bVJn7aw_aem_DhEtbmhK4tjwUr1BiYo5dg

internationalculturefestivalswla.com – International culture festival SWLA Lake Charles 2025 At the International Club of SWLA, we believe in the power of culture to bring people together. The International Culture Festival is a celebration of diversity, unity, and shared experiences. We warmly invite you to be part of this unique community event.

The Townsley Law Firm Lotte Chemical Titan (M) Sdn. Bhd.CITGO Fueling GoodCalcasieu Parish Police Jury