Tepoztlán is a magical town located in the state of Morelos, Mexico. Known for its rich history and enchanting surroundings, Tepoztlán attracts tourists from all over the world. The town is nestled in the foothills of the Tepozteco mountain and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. One of the main attractions in Tepoztlán is the Tepozteco Pyramid. Located at the top of the Tepozteco mountain, this ancient pyramid was used for religious ceremonies by the Aztecs. To reach the pyramid, visitors must take a challenging hike up the mountain, but the effort is well worth it.
Ragin cajuns mascot
For the first 60 years through three name changes, the University had kept the nickname of the Bulldogs. This mascot was identified by an actual bulldog that would lead the team onto the field before most of the football games.
Then, in the early 1960's as an effort to "fire up" the football team, Coach Russ Faulkinberry called his team the Raging Cajuns since 95 percent of the football team was from the Acadiana area. It was then decided by the Sports Information Director, Bob Henderson, to honor the team and the Cajun heritage by calling them the Raging Cajuns. The nickname of the Bulldogs was replaced in 1962. Not long after, this was shortened to Ragin' Cajuns. The Ragin' Cajuns athletics were on the rise.
Even though the nickname had been changed, the bulldog was still evident across the University. In fact, for many years after, one could see a bulldog marching on the football field protecting his territory. But the Ragin' Cajuns still needed a face to go with the name.
For a brief period of time, Cajun Man reigned over the field and courts and rallied the crowd. For a story of Cajun Man and his whereabouts, submitted by himself in a local newspaper, click here. Cajun Man had graduated and moved on, so the University was in need, once again, for a new face.
The Cajun Chicken had shown up on the doorsteps of the complex and created a new experience to add to the game. Not only did he add to the excitement that is Ragin' Cajuns athletics, he was also quite entertaining and could cause a stir. With the spirit of Elvis Presley, the talent of Michael Jackson, and the darkness of the Grim Reaper, no fan would ever know what the Cajun Chicken would do next. To see a video of the Fabulous Cajun Chicken, click here.
The Cajun Chicken ruled the fields and courts for many years, but, like Cajun Man, he had to move on and the Unversity needed something that would better represent the name Ragin' Cajuns.
The University had to look no further than the new logos. Inside the logo, a pepper was used as the apostrophe for Ragin'. The only problem was where could the Ragin' Cajuns find this mascot. To find out where Cayenne came from, click here.
Of course, as Cayenne grew into his role, he changed significantly over the years. He added excitement while promoting school pride. He represented all that is the Cajun culture and the Acadiana area.
For more information of the mascots, click below.
'I have more fun than anybody else': The man behind UL's Cajun Chicken — 20 years later
The Fabulous Cajun Chicken discusses his planned return to the Cajundome against Marshall on Saturday, Feb. 4.
- Photo by Kevin Foote
The Fabulous Cajun Chicken explains how much he's missed entertaining Cajuns' basketball fans over the past two decades.
- Photo by Kevin Foote
There are no doubt many longtime UL basketball fans who have missed the Fabulous Cajun Chicken’s presence at the Cajundome over the past two decades.
Russell Heim, the man behind the Cajun athletic department’s zany former mascot, is pretty sure no one has missed the Cajun Chicken more than him.
“You would not believe how much I’ve missed it,” Heim said. “Every time I watch a game, especially the Cajuns. Coming back and watching football games, basketball games, baseball games and going, ‘I want to be down there. I want to be back on the sidelines, the court, out in the field.’
“I’m not a very good fan sitting in the stands. I’d much rather be running the sideline.”
For one night, Heim and the UL basketball fans will enjoy a bit of mascot nostalgia when the Fabulous Cajun Chicken makes a one-night-only appearance for the 7 p.m. showdown with Marshall on Saturday, Feb. 4.
“It feels great to be back,” Heim said. “I’m just so excited about being back in the Dome, being back in front of the fans and being back on the court.”
The Fabulous Cajun Chicken began entertaining UL fans while torturing opposing teams and officials way back in the Blackham Coliseum days in 1984 and naturally followed the team to the Cajundome two years later.
Until he got into a costume, Heim said he never realized how much fun it could be.
“The first time I ever got in a costume was I was doing Bud Man for Budweiser,” he explained. “My boss talked me into auditioning so we could get free beer.”
Even after winning the audition, Heim wanted no part of actually becoming the Bud Man … until he put on the costume that is.
A campaign to make albino alligator UL's new mascot is helping to promote inclusivity
LAFAYETTE, La. — New stadium, new mascot? A grass roots campaign is taking the Ragin' Cajun community’s vote to see it it’s finally time for a new University of Louisiana at Lafayette mascot.
UL has seen many changes with mascots over the years, from bulldogs to Ragin' Cajun chickens. However, up until 10 years ago, the Ragin' Cajun mascot Cayenne was beloved by many but the costumes got too costly for the university to keep up and the college currently does not have an official mascot.
A former student is looking to revamp the college mascot by campaigning for Albineaux "AL" Boudreaux. An albino alligator to represent the school and Cajun culture.
One mother is happy to see this campaign not only for the school but also for her young son.
Blaire Desormeaux, whose 5-year-old son Sam has ocular albinism, believes that the introduction of a new mascot can play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity.
She envisions that if her son attends UL in the future, the new mascot could become a relatable figure for Sam and others with albinism.
"It's also really neat for someone like my son who happens to have ocular albinism I think he might come to appreciate it the connection he can have with this mascot because of the shared condition. I think that would be really cool for him because it's not he sees represented often in the media or anywhere," says Desormeaux.
Cory Stewart, the creator of Al, expresses joy at witnessing how the albino alligator can become a connecting force for others, as stated in a message provided to KATC.
"When I was designing Albineaux, I was dreaming of the positive effect he could have on kids just like Sam. Acadiana is a special community. The Cajuns here come from a heritage of people who were casted out, but settled in this region and found space to celebrate their differences. That is why I think Albineaux is perfect spirit leader for our university. He is not just any alligator. Hes a Ragin Cajun alligator who loves being albino as much as he loves being Cajun!"
To see more photos of "Al" check out the campaigners Facebookpage.
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To reach the pyramid, visitors must take a challenging hike up the mountain, but the effort is well worth it. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the pyramid itself is a fascinating piece of history. In addition to the pyramid, Tepoztlán is home to a vibrant market.
Every weekend, locals and tourists alike flock to the town square to browse through the various stalls selling handmade crafts, traditional clothing, and delicious food. The market is a hub of activity and offers a glimpse into the local culture and traditions. Tepoztlán is also known for its traditional festivals and celebrations. One of the most famous is the Tepoztlán Carnival, which takes place in February. During this four-day event, the town comes alive with music, dancing, and elaborate costumes. The carnival is a true spectacle, with parades, fireworks, and even a beauty pageant. Beyond its natural and cultural attractions, Tepoztlán is also a place of spiritual significance. Many people believe that the town has a strong energy and is a center for spirituality and healing. As a result, Tepoztlán is home to numerous wellness centers, yoga retreats, and meditation centers. Visitors come to experience the tranquility and serenity that Tepoztlán offers. Overall, Tepoztlán is a magical town that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in exploring ancient ruins, shopping for traditional crafts, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, Tepoztlán has something for everyone. It's no wonder that the town has become a popular destination for those seeking a truly magical experience..
Reviews for "Tepoztlán's Pueblo Mágico: A Haven for Art and Culture"
1. Lily - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really looking forward to visiting Tepoztlan and exploring its magical charm, but I was highly disappointed with my experience. The town felt overcrowded with tourists, and the streets were dirty and filled with vendors pushing their products aggressively. The supposed magical atmosphere was nowhere to be found. The famous market was a chaos of noise and overpriced souvenirs. Overall, I found Tepoztlan to be a tourist trap and not the enchanted place I had hoped for.
2. Carlos - ★★☆☆☆
While Tepoztlan has some historical significance and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, I found it to be lacking in authentic Mexican culture. The town is overrun with touristy shops and restaurants, catering more to visitors than to locals. The streets were chaotic and congested, and I couldn't find a peaceful spot to truly soak in the atmosphere. I also found the prices to be inflated compared to other similar destinations in Mexico. If you're looking for an authentic Mexican experience, I would suggest exploring other lesser-known towns.
3. Jessica - ★★☆☆☆
Tepoztlan may have a reputation as a magical town, but I couldn't help but feel underwhelmed during my visit. The main street was filled with souvenir shops and street vendors, which made it difficult to really appreciate the charm of the town. The famous pyramid was also quite underwhelming and overcrowded with tourists. I was hoping to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the town, but it felt overshadowed by commercialization. Overall, I left Tepoztlan feeling disappointed and wishing I had chosen a different destination for my vacation.
4. Michael - ★☆☆☆☆
I regretted my decision to visit Tepoztlan after experiencing the overcrowded streets and lack of genuine charm. The town had turned into a tourist hotspot, losing its authenticity in the process. The local culture felt diluted by the constant influx of visitors, and the prices were inflated to take advantage of the tourist traffic. My expectations were not met, and I left Tepoztlan feeling like I had just wasted my time. If you're looking for an authentic Mexican experience, I would recommend exploring other less touristy destinations.