LAFAYETTE, LA — The 39th annual Festival International de Louisiane wrapped up on Sunday evening, marking another successful chapter in the event’s storied history. Held in downtown Lafayette, the festival spanned five days and brought together a blend of music, food, art, and culture, drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees from across the region and beyond.
Organizers, despite facing a few weather-related challenges, were optimistic about this year’s outcome. Scott Feehan, the executive director of Festival International, reflected on the overall success of the event. “The vibe and the energy were great,” Feehan said. “A lot of people turned up, and I think it was beautiful. Every year has its own story and adventure, and this year was no different.”
While the festival’s programming was largely uninterrupted, the weather did create some hurdles. Early Thursday morning, storms rolled through the area, and lightning on Friday night caused some delays, including an early closure on Friday. However, Feehan credited the dedication and hard work of volunteers, who were instrumental in keeping things running smoothly. “Thursday morning had a storm come through, but the volunteers and people who stepped up to rebuild were incredible,” Feehan stated. “By the time people got there Thursday night, nobody knew the difference.”
This year, safety and well-being were top priorities for organizers. Along with visible security measures, such as bollards placed throughout downtown, a layered safety plan was implemented to ensure a safe environment for festival-goers. In an effort to address potential health issues, the addition of an on-site medical tent proved vital. Dr. Shamir Hasan, medical director of the Ochsner Health tent, noted that the team treated around 60 patients over the weekend for issues ranging from dehydration and heat exhaustion to blisters and cuts.
“We had a lot of faints from heat exhaustion and dehydration,” Hasan said. “We were able to respond immediately and bring people back to assess them.” Although these health issues were common, Hasan and his team received positive feedback, and plans are already in place to review the data and improve medical responses for next year.
Looking ahead, Feehan expressed excitement for the festival’s 40th edition, set to take place in 2026. “We take a moment to rest, but we start planning again very quickly,” Feehan said, hinting that big things are on the horizon. The 40th anniversary promises to be a milestone event, one that will likely build upon the success of this year’s festival while adding new features to commemorate the occasion.
With a blend of cultural celebration, strong community spirit, and dedication to safety, the 39th Festival International de Louisiane has once again proven why it is one of the most beloved events in the region.