HISTORY AND ORGANIZATION
A BREAUX BRIDGE TRADITION SINCE 1960
CRAWFISH FESTIVAL HISTORY
The world-famous Crawfish Festival began in 1960 as a spin-off of the Breaux Bridge Centennial Celebration. The Louisiana Legislature had just named Breaux Bridge the Crawfish Capital of the World in 1959. The festival is now known around the country and even the world. Every May, thousands of hungry people flock to Breaux Bridge to be part of the festivities.
The Crawfish Festival has also become one of the largest gatherings of world-famous Cajun musicians. All weekend long you can hear the sound of authentic Cajun, Zydeco, and Swamp Pop music rising from the festival. Whether your musical taste is Cajun or Creole, you can witness over 30 bands perform over the three-day event if you think you have the stamina. It’s a perfect opportunity to see our musical tradition passed from generation to generation. Watch the Cajun dance contests, and if you’re brave, join in. There’s no better way to learn. There are even Cajun music workshops held in the heritage tent.
If Cajun or Creole music excites you, there’s no better place to experience it than at the Crawfish Festival!
CRAWFISH FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION
The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival Association is a volunteer organization with a Board of Directors who oversee the annual festival. Their mission is to promote the crawfish industry in Louisiana and the culture of Cajun Country.
The BBCFA has up-to-date contributed $1,300,000 to civic organizations and city improvements. Yearly, we allocate mini-grants funds to the local Breaux Bridge Schools and provide Scholarships to the local high schools as well as our Past Queen’s Scholarship. Besides monetary contributions, the BBCFA Board of Directors gladly volunteers their time as well to these many functions.
The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival is passed multiple recipients of the LAFF Festival of the Year Division II as well as received numerous awards in marketing (poster, t-shirt, brochure, pin). The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival has also been named a Top 20 Event by the STS Society. CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, The Food Channel, PBS, and numerous other individual filmmakers have all done documentaries on our festival. We have been featured in Maxim Magazine, Southern Living, National Geographic, The New York Times, Country Cooking, Motorhome Living, and Better Homes and Garden publications. The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival was named a top 10 Food Festival by USA Today.
CRAWFISH FESTIVAL ROYALTY
2023 BREAUX BRIDGE CRAWFISH ROYALTY
Crawfish King
Mr. Erral LeBlanc of Breaux Bridge was chosen as the 2023 Crawfish King.
Crawfish Queen
Miss Bree Guidry of Breaux Bridge has been crowned the 2023 Crawfish Queen. The Crawfish Queen is chosen from a group of young women who reside in the Breaux Bridge High School District and is between the age of 18 to 23. She will represent the Crawfish Festival at the Washington Mardi Gras Ball and at the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen of Queens Pageant.
Ecrevettes
Five young girls from Breaux Bridge serve as the Association’s ambassadors. They promote the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival by traveling and participating in various activities. The girls must reside in the Breaux Bridge High School District.
Junior Crawfish Queen
The Junior Crawfish Queen is chosen from a group of girls between the ages of 7 to 10 years. She must live in the Breaux Bridge High School District. She travels representing the Crawfish Festival and is presented at the Crawfish Queen Coronation Ball.
Lil Miss and Master Pincher
Little Miss and Master Pincher are between the age of 4 and 6 and reside in the Breaux Bridge High School District.
Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame members are chosen for their service and dedication to the Crawfish Festival.
Baby Pincher
Baby Pinchers are chosen in various age categories from 0 months to 47 months.
Contestants must reside in Louisiana.
