Festival International

The main stage at the 2006 festival; Buckwheat Zydeco is playing.

The Festival International de Louisiane is an annual music and arts festival held in Lafayette, Louisiana celebrating the French heritage of the region. The festival was first held in 1987 and has become very popular, attracting musicians, artists, and craftsmen from around the world. The festival is held outdoors in the third week of April, and is free to the public, drawing about 300,000 attendees.^{[citation needed]}

The stated mission of the festival is to:

“	Enrich the community by celebrating its native culture; Educate the public to the historical achievements and artistic expressions of related global cultures; Encourage an appreciation for the arts; Enhance the economic development of the Acadiana region through the presentation of an internationally recognized arts event; Promote cultural exchange on a national and international level.	”
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Participating artists

Buckwheat Zydeco on the main stage at the 2006 festival.

The festival draws musicians from around the world. Past performers include:

• Balkan Beat Box — United States
• Cyro Baptista — Brazil
• Maria de Barros — Cape Verde
• Beausoleil — United States
• Bomba Estéreo - Colombia
• La Bottine Souriante — Quebec
• Boukman Eksperyans - Haiti
• Buckwheat Zydeco — United States
• Dominique Dupuis — New Brunswick
• The Duhks - Canada
• Gangbé Brass Band — Benin
• Henry Gray and the Cats — United States
• Dr. John — United States
• Keb' Mo' — United States
• Kiyoshi Nagata Ensemble — Toronto
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo — South Africa
• Locos Por Juana — United States
• The Lost Bayou Ramblers — United States
• MarchFourth Marching Band — United States
• Mousta Largo — Belgium
• Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys — United States
• Skatalites — Jamaica
• Suroît — Îles-de-la-Madeleine
• Tinariwen — Mali
• Toubab Krewe — United States
• Le Trou Normand — France
• Väsen — Sweden
• Yerba Buena — Cuba
• Les Yeux Noirs — France

Details of the Event

Festival International de Louisiane has a variety of music, performers and vendors from all over the world. It is free to attend the Festival, which is supported by donors, volunteers and by the attendees when they purchase a pin. There are over 4 stages and a children's area to celebrate International culture. Festival International de Louisiane happens the last weekend on April with opening ceremonies on Wednesday evening. The Festival closes out Sunday evening with an all artist music jam. The Festival is maintained 90% by volunteers.

See also

Cultures

• Acadian
• Cajun
• Louisiana Creole people

Music

• Cajun music
• Music of Louisiana
• Zydeco

External links

• Official website
• KRVS 88.7 public radio; KRVS broadcasts the festival
• 2011 Lineup for the Festival