A bowed string instrument, the fiddle is central to Cajun music's sound, culture, and history. The history of the fiddle, an instrument more or less synonymous with the classical violin, is rooted in early 16th-century Western Europe, where it derived from the medieval, bowed string Byzantine lira…
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An early 20th-century precursor to zydeco, la-la music melds indigenous American, African, European, blues, nascent rhythm and blues, and Louisiana Creole and Cajun traditions to form a popular genre that is both provincial and unmeasurably influential. Primarily associated with Black Creoles of…
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If you're looking to spend some time in the Hub City and want to know what events are happening, you're in the right place. We'll give you a rundown of live music and other events taking place each month in the Happiest City in America…
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During the last week of April, residents are decked out in hats, dancing shoes, and smiles along the streets of downtown Lafayette. Refrains of "Happy festival" are everywhere. At the apex of spring, Lafayette's downtown turns festival mode for the annual Festival International de Louisiane, the…
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Each spring, Downtown Lafayette comes alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Festival International de Louisiane, the largest free Francophone festival in the U.S. This five-day event transforms the city into a global stage, where music, art, and culture from around the world take center…
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Since the very first Festival International de Louisiane in 1986 photographer Philip Gould has captured moments that show how the unique festival has grown to become one of the largest non-ticketed Francophone events in the world. We have partnered with him to showcase some his most memorable…
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As the chilly air turns into a warm breeze, there's no better time to get out and about in Lafayette than spring. Like the flowers, celebrations of Cajun culture, food, and music bloom during the springtime and color the calendar with some of the city's finest annual events. If you can smell the…
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The venue can make all the difference when planning a meeting, conference, or special event. Lafayette, Louisiana, offers a variety of unique and inspiring spaces showcasing the region’s rich history, culture, and hospitality. Whether you're looking for a historic setting, a lively entertainment…
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South Louisiana is home to the greatest free party on earth, a colorful celebration known as Mardi Gras. In Lafayette, LA, residents celebrate in many ways, including the traditional courir de Mardi Gras; parades with marching bands, beads, and doubloons; Mardi Gras Indians with elaborate dancing…
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