Festivals Acadiens et Créoles is just around the corner, and this Saturday the official 2024 festival pin and poster will be revealed at the Acadiana Center for the Arts Second Saturday Art Walk in downtown Lafayette.
Artist Megan Barra designed the commemorative 50th-anniversary poster and pin. A lifelong resident of Lafayette, she has attended Festivals Acadiens et Créoles every year since 1976. She has produced several pieces of art for the festival over the years, and also designed the official poster in 2012.
Barra’s design for this year’s poster depicts a triple-row accordion adorned with images of the Cajun and Creole musicians who performed at the first event in 1974, juxtaposed with younger musicians who represent the future of Cajun and Creole music. She said the poster also features stylized trees and acorns, metaphors for life and growth, and the overall design is done in an art nouveau style, reminiscent of concert posters from the 1970s.
“I am honored to design the poster to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Festivals Acadiens et Créoles," said Barra. "Poster design is a passion of mine, and I have been to every festival since 1976. The music, dance, cuisine, and craft have enriched our lives here in Lafayette. So, I am excited to share my joy for the festival through my design."
Barra’s design for Sonny Landreth’s recording, "Levee Town," was nominated for a Grammy Award in the “Best Recording Package” category. Her fine artwork, “Silk Compositions,” has been exhibited in galleries and museums in South Louisiana, Quebec, and France.
The public is invited to see the poster and pin design for the 50th anniversary of Festivals Acadiens et Créoles on Saturday at the Acadiana Center for the Arts at 101 W. Vermilion St., Lafayette. The unveiling will take place at 5 p.m.
Festivals Acadiens et Créoles takes place every year in Lafayette. The festival has hosted performances by renowned artists such as Clifton Chenier, Chubby Carrier, Sonny Landreth, Cedric Watson and Pine Leaf Boys. Since the inaugural event in 1974, the three-day festival has grown to be the world’s largest Cajun and Zydeco music event, attracting visitors from across the globe.
The festival will take place this year Oct. 11-13, at Girard Park.