The 36th Annual Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival in Opelousas kicks off this weekend.
The festival will open with the 16th Annual Zydeco Breakfast under the oaks trees, surrounding the historic St. Landry Parish Courthouse from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
While you’re there, look out for the Big Zydeco Parade, rolling through downtown Opelousas.
Take it over to the Yambilee Festival Grounds for the festival. Gates open at 10 a.m. Music starts at noon and will continue throughout the day and night.
Organizer Lena Charles says the event attracts hundreds of people.
“We really anticipate getting up to 2,000 people passing through here,” Charles said.
The festival celebrates the roots of zydeco and Creole culture. Charles says the festival honors the tradition of the Creole community coming together during hard times. In the past, the community would gather with food and dance to music, despite their hardships.
The first festival was held to honor that in 1982, but the tradition spans back decades.
“We still celebrate 36 years later,” Charles said. “It’s always been about the land, the richness of the culture, the people and the land.”
For more information and a look at the music lineup, click here.
