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 and its connection to the Francophone world. 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, usually in the third week of April, and is free to the public. Estimates for attendance include 375,000 for 2011.[1] The festival was voted the "Best World Music Festival" by About.com readers in their 2012 and 2013 Readers' Choice Awards.[2]

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. ”
— -[3]

French speakers live in the southwest area of Louisiana known as Acadiana, and much of the local traditional music by Cajun and Creole musicians uses French lyrics. Bi-lingual radio and television announcers underscore the prevalence of French speakers in older, rural areas among both white Cajun and black Creole residents. The French Immersion programs in the area promote the language in charter schools while increasing connections to the rest of the French-speaking world. Festival International underscores Acadiana's connection to the Francophone world.

"Organizations such as Radio Canada, TV5Monde, and Afropop Worldwide have reached out to Festival International officials to cover the event. In addition, the 2015 lineup of Francophone artists has attracted several government officials from the French-speaking world. Lafayette will host Grégor Trumel, Counsel General of the French Consulate in New Orleans, Yves Bigot, Global CEO of TV5 Monde, and Denis Desgagné, Président-directeur général of Centre de la francophonie des Amériques."[4]


Participating artists

Buckwheat Zydeco on the main stage at the 2006 festival.

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

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

Music

References

  1. ↑ Diana K. Schwam (2012). Frommer's New Orleans. John Wiley & Sons. p. 32. ISBN 9781118074060.
  2. ↑ Romer, Megan. "Must-See World Music at Festival International 2012:Don't Miss These Fabulous Bands From Around the World". about.com. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  3. ↑ "Mission of Festival International". Retrieved 2010-03-25.
  4. ↑ http://festivalinternational.org/news/festival-international-draws-influential-participants-with-opening-ceremonies/

External links

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