The Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival is an annual event held in Memphis, Tennessee, that celebrates the culture and cuisine of Louisiana.
The festival is a celebration of the cultural diversity of Memphis and the surrounding area, with a focus on the Cajun and Creole traditions of Louisiana. It attracts visitors from across the region, as well as from other parts of the country, who come to sample the food, enjoy the music, and experience the unique culture of Louisiana.
It is named after the Cajun and Creole traditions of Louisiana, which have had a significant influence on the food and music of Memphis and the surrounding area.
The Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival is held in late April or early May each year, typically over a weekend. It is hosted by the Memphis River Parks Partnership and takes place at the River Garden park along the Mississippi River in downtown Memphis.
It has been held for over 30 years and is one of the largest crawfish festivals in the United States. It attracts over 35,000 visitors each year and has become a popular event in the Memphis area.
One of the main highlights of the festival is the crawfish. It features over 18,000 pounds of boiled crawfish, with dozens of vendors serving up spicy, steaming-hot crawfish seasoned with a variety of spices and served with sides such as corn, potatoes, and sausage. Other Louisiana-style dishes, such as jambalaya, gumbo, and red beans and rice, are also popular at the festival.
In addition to the food and music, there are other family-friendly activities for visitors to enjoy. There is a carnival area with rides and games for children, as well as a marketplace with vendors selling arts and crafts and other Cajun-themed items.
The festival also features live music from local and national artists. The music ranges from traditional Cajun and Zydeco music to rock, blues, and country. There are also dance performances and lessons, so visitors can learn how to dance to the traditional Cajun music.
The Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival is not only a celebration of Cajun culture but also a way to give back to the community. It is a fundraiser for Porter-Leath, a nonprofit organization that provides early childhood education and support services to families in Memphis. The festival has raised over $1 million for Porter-Leath since it began in 1990.
Overall, the Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival is a fun and festive celebration of Louisiana culture and cuisine that brings together people from across the region for a weekend of music, food, and entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of spicy crawfish, zydeco music, or just a good time, the festival is not to be missed.