festivals acadiens et creoles
2015 Recipient
International Achievement Award
The IAA. committee and the Lafayette International Center Foundation are pleased and excited to honor Festivals Acadiens et Créoles as the 16th recipient of the IAA. This Festival has enhanced Acadiana’s international visibility through music, culture, art and economic growth. These are the specific accomplishments we look in determining a recipient.
In 1964, Harry Oster, an LSU Professor, assisted Dewey Balfa, Gladius Thibodeaux and Louis Vinesse LeJeune in representing Louisiana at the Newport Folk Festival, playing alongside nationally known folk revivalists like Joan Baez; Peter, Paul and Mary; and Bob Dylan.. Balafa was so moved by the audiences’ thunderous reactions that he vowed to "bring home the echo of the standing ovation". With the assistance of CODOFIL and the chairmanship of James Domengeaux and Dr. Barry Ancelet, the first Tribute to Cajun Music premiered in 1974. This revival of Cajun music was fundamentally important in the preservation and advancement of the French Language culture and folklore.
Forty-one years later, Festivals Acadiens has evolved into a two-and-a-half-day cooperative festival that not only presents Cajun and Zydeco music but also includes the a Downtown Alive opening concert, the Bayou Food Festival, the Louisiana Crafts Fair, the Heritage Pavilion and the Louisiana Folkroots Presents Cajun & Créole Music Jam.
Our Cajun & Creole music, flavors and culture entice and entertain a huge and varied group of participants, local, national and international. Chevron, a major sponsor of Festivals Acadiens et Creole, recently completed an economic study of the event. The study found that 38% of the guests travel more than 500 miles and they represent 26 states and 6 countries. Estimated numbers show that locals spend an average of $362 per person and visitors, $945. The total economic impact for Lafayette Parish each year is more than 9 million dollars!At the finale of this high-energy October weekend, revelers have enjoyed music, dance, food and culture. The Lafayette International Center Foundation is honored and delighted to recognize our unique local treasure.