National Acadian Day celebration this Friday & Sat. in St. Martinville
St. Martinville will celebrate La Fête Nationale de l’Acadie (National Acadian Day) with a lively two-day festival on August 15 and 16.
Visitors of all ages are invited to join in commemorating Acadian heritage through music, dance, food, and community events.
A Tintamarre Parade, a spirited, noisy foot parade, where participants are encouraged to wear blue, white, red, and yellow costumes and bring noisemakers begins on Hebert Lane (between the 300 and 400 blocks of North Main St.) and continues down Main St., turning toward Evangeline Blvd. to arrive at the Acadian Memorial. The event will begin at 6:15 p.m.
Enjoy live Cajun/ Creole music featuring acoustic performances by Chad Huval and friends from 7 to 9 p.m. at Acadian Memorial.
Elaine Larcade Bourque will present the history and revival of Acadian brown cotton on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site.
Also at the site, Master fiddler Brazos Huval will provide music for a traditional Acadian bal de maison (house dance) in the Cypress Cabin from 2 to 4 p.m.
Teams can register for a scavenger hunt around the church square or join the Acadian trivia contest (max 6 people per team).
Sample authentic Cajun dishes that highlight the shared cuisine of Creoles, Acadians, and Native Americans.
The Acadian Memorial and Museum, African American Museum and Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site will be open both festival days.
Acadians around the world, including descendants in Louisiana known as Cajuns, reflect and celebrate on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, chosen in 1881 as their national holiday.
Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and ice chests, but glass containers are not permitted. There is limited indoor seating is available.
For questions or assistance, contact St. Martinville Culture, Recreation and Tourism Office at 337-394-223) or Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, 337394-3754.
