St. Martin Parish Has the Best Festivals

The Atchafalaya Basin Festival is a fundraiser for Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Henderson, La and Sacred Heart of Jesus Chapel in Butte La Rose, La. The festival began in 2007 and has always been a FREE event. Their line up of musicians will leave your toes tapping for weeks. They also have a Car and Truck  Show, Cooking Contest,  Arts and Crafts. The annual festival is always held the second Saturday in November.

While the first festival was in 1960, it is now nationally and internationally recognized for famous Cajun musicians, including Zydeco and Swamp Pop music. With over 30 bands to take in over three days, the festival features nonstop music, dance contests and Cajun music workshops. Crawfish Royalty are crowned, including the Crawfish King, Crawfish Queen and Lil Miss Pincher.

Shake Your Trail Feather is an annual festival celebrating the 130-mile-long Bayou Teche National Paddle Trail. It takes place on October 16 in scenic Breaux Bridge at Parc des Ponts. The ever-popular “Paddle to the Party” floating parade starts at 10 a.m. and live music in the park starts at noon and the event supports the Bayou Teche Paddle Trail. Included at the park are kids’ activities, artisans, food and drink and a Heritage Tent with ecological and cultural speakers. They also have a Best Bird costume contest, so come with your beaks and feathers on!

Great Cajun Etouffee of different kinds, Good Music, & Carnival rides with a small town feel, bingo, etouffee cookoff.