Lafayette, located on the Vermillion River in Louisiana, is, according to the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Bureau, the center of Cajun culture in the United States. The area has a strong tourism industry based on its Cajun and Creole roots; the city's nightlife and cuisine are integral parts of the local culture. Visitors to Lafayette for Labor Day weekend will enjoy the annual Zydeco festival that features local and nationally known artists, dances and jam sessions.
The Zydeco Festival kicks off a few days before the start of Labor Day weekend with an evening parade that travels along Market Street and ends at the North City Park. According to Zydeco.org, the "Zydeco Party Train" is a don't-miss event that features local businesses, organizations, groups and individuals getting into the Lafayette spirit to celebrate the history and customs of the region. Colorful floats are mixed with contributions by individuals, marching bands, bicycle brigades and music to celebrate the start of the Zydeco weekend.
The Zydeco music kicks off immediately following the parade with the Big Zydeco Jam Session and Squeezebox contest. Local musicians donate their time and talents to this event that is free to the public.
A dance on the Friday before Labor Day with popular Zydeco bands is the next big event on the calendar. This evening celebration features a plethora of local and visiting talent. The 2010 event was hosted by Snuggles and his band of Show Stoppers, with performances by Curly Jack and Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble.
The highlight of the weekend is the state's largest Zydeco festival on Saturday. The show starts before noon and lasts into the evening. Past performers include Grammy winner Buckwheat Zydeco, Lil Nathan & Zydeco Big Timers, Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha Cha's, Geno Delafosse & The French Rocking Boogie, Step Rideaux & The Zydeco Outlaws, JJ Caillier & The Zydeco Knockouts, Chris Ardoin & NuStep and J Paul Jr & the Nu Breedz. In 2010, adult admission was a nominal $10, with children's fare at just $3 each.
Food is a major part of Lafayette culture, and visitors can find it during the Labor Day festivities. According to Lafayette Travel, Creole is a blend of European, African, Caribbean and Native American cuisine that has evolved over the last 400 years, while Cajun cooking is based on the food of the French-Canadian Acadians who migrated to the area from Nova Scotia around the same time. No Zydeco celebration is complete without experiencing the local cuisine, and you will it on the streets as well as in the restaurants and at the Zydeco Festival itself. Typical fare includes crawfish, okra, squash, rice, jambalaya and sausages.
