Louisiana is well known for its festivals. A huge tourist attraction, people come from near and far to experience the music, food and atmosphere.
The state’s famous and well-loved festivals include the BUKU Music + Arts Project, French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and food festivals like the Strawberry Festival.
The BUKU Music + Art Project is a two-day music and art festival that will be held March 10-11. This fest is held annually at Mardi Gras World in New Orleans. In celebration of the rich culture and diversity of the Crescent City, festival-goers often come dressed in costumes.
“BUKU Fest is my favorite,” African American studies freshman Miles Jordan said. “It is the one festivals that actually appeals to the youth in particular, and that, to me, is great. Voodoo and Jazz Fest will pick one contemporary artist or another, but Buku will pick only contemporary artists, and it’s important to have representation.”
This year, the 34th Annual French Quarter Festival will be held April 6-9. Admission is free, and people come from all over to soak up the musicians, the food and the culture of the city. More than 1,700 Louisiana musicians and 170 Louisiana acts will be featured.
“I like French Quarter Fest because of its local bands, good music and food,” biology sophomore Madeleine Raymond said. “I’ve had two experiences there, and it’s been the best. It’s just a great day to chill out, hang with people and eat the best food NOLA has to offer.”
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, or Jazz Fest, is held on the Fair Grounds Race Course in Mid City. This festival takes place during the day between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. This year, Jazz Fest will be held the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May.
This festival has been a New Orleans staple since the ’70s and continues to grow in popularity. The first Jazz Fest cost only $3, and featured acts such as Fats Domino, Duke Ellington and Mahalia Jackson. Since then, Jazz Fest has showcased a host of other talented artists, like Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Snoop Dogg.
The festival is not only known for its performers — it also boasts an excellent selection of Louisiana cuisine, including crawfish Monica, red beans and rice and crawfish bread.
“Jazz Fest is by far my favorite festival,” digital advertising sophomore Adelaide Eysink said. “There are so many different kinds of people and food, not to mention all the great music. Last time I went, I had a mango sorbet that truly changed my life. I can’t wait for this year. So many of my favorite bands are going.”
Louisiana is well known for its food festivals as well. Among them have been oyster, poboy, fried chicken, king cake and strawberry festivals. The NOLA Mac n Cheese Festival is planned for Oct. 21 in Armstrong Park.
“I really like the [Ponchatoula] Strawberry Festival, because I used to go every year as a child,” anthropology sophomore Zoe Vallotton said. “I liked [the] strawberries … and I really loved the rides.”
The 46th Annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival will be held April 7-9. The festival is free and features games and entertainment by Bag of Donuts, 5 Finger Discount and Waylon Thibodeaux.
Festival goers enjoy the second and last day of Buku Music + Art Project on Saturday, Mar. 12, 2016 at Mardi Gras World in New Orleans.
