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Festival International de Louisiane is a community-based, non-profit arts organization formed in 1986 to produce an annual visual and performing arts festival celebrating the French cultural heritage of southern Louisiana – primarily a combination of French, African, Caribbean and Hispanic influences. The largest outdoor, FREE Francophone event in the U.S., the Festival places special emphasis on highlighting the connections between Acadiana and the Francophone world. Each year performing, visual and culinary artists from Europe, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean and the Americas are invited to share their talents with Louisiana artists, residents and visitors.

Since its creation, Festival International de Louisiane has become famous as a premier presenter of some of the most unique world musicians and performances in the United States. Popular Louisiana artists such as Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Irma Thomas, Allan Toussaint, Zachary Richard, Sonny Landreth, Beausoleil, Buckwheat Zydeco, Boozoo Chavis, Amedee "Bois Sec" Ardoin, D.L. Menard, Terrance Simien, C.J. Chenier, Geno Delafose, Marc Broussard, Marcia Ball, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Canray Fontenot and Buddy Guy have all performed on our stages.

Past international performers have included:

John Mayall (England)
Zap Mama (Zaire)
Natalie MacMaster (Canada)
Dede St. Prix (Martinique)
Cubanismo (Cuba)
Salif Keita (Mali)
Amadou & Mariam (Mali)
Master Drummers of Burundi (Burundi)
Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens (South Africa)
Jimmy Bosch (Puerto Rico)
Sam Mangwana (Republic of Congo)
La Bottine Souriante (Canada)
Paris Combo (France)
Sally Nyolo (Cameroon)
Angelique Kidjo (Benin)
The Waifs (Australia)
Gigi (Ethiopia)
Oliver Mtukudzi (South Africa)
Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South Africa)
Yerba Buena (Cuba)
Salem Tradition (Reunion Islands)
La Rue Ketanu (France)
Balkan Beat Box (Israel/Morocco)
Francis Cabrel (France)

2009 Official Poster Artist: Kate Ferry

Poster: Painting by Kate Ferry; Design by Anne & Curtis Darrah, Darrah Design+Marketing.
Pins: Designs by Anne & Curtis Darrah, Darrah Design+Marketing, based on Painting by Kate Ferry.

^{This site was made possible by a grant from the National Endowment
of the Arts, the Louisiana State Arts Council and the Louisiana Division
of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of
Culture, Recreation and Tourism.}