Lafayette, LA – Festival International de Louisiane welcomes influential participants from around the world to this year’s Festival, including French government officials and international media outlets. Organizations such as Radio Canada, TV5Monde, and Afropop Worldwide have reached out to Festival International officials to cover the event.

In addition, this year’s lineup of Francophone artists has attracted several government officials from the French-speaking world. Lafayette will host Grégor Trumel, Counsel General of the French Consulate in New Orleans, Yves Bigot, Global CEO of TV5 Monde, and Denis Desgagné, Président-directeur général of Centre de la francophonie des Amériques.

Many of these officials are traveling to Lafayette to witness the very special Opening Ceremonies, presented by Coca-Cola, featuring a group of talented French Immersion students or Les Étoiles de L’Immersion avec Zachary Richard et ses amis. Opening Ceremonies kick-off Festival International and pay homage to Acadiana’s cultural influences.

This year’s Opening Ceremonies will also be special for Lafayette Parish City-Parish President, Joey Durel, as it will be his last to attend while in office. “As Lynne and I continue the year of “lasts” as City -Parish President, the opening ceremony of Festival is one that I will always fondly remember. People are always polite and enthusiastic, the kids holding all of the flags, and the opportunity to welcome visitors from around the world.” Says Durel, “But, mostly, I enjoy thanking the people of Lafayette and Acadiana for supporting such an important event for Lafayette. I’m going to miss it!”

The Opening Ceremonies, presented by Coca-Cola will commence on Thursday, April 23rd, at Scène Stabil Drill International at 6:45pm.

About Festival International de Louisiane

Formed in 1986, Festival International de Louisiane is a community-based, non-profit arts organization that provides a FREE family event celebrating the French cultural heritage of south Louisiana – primarily a combination of French, African, Caribbean, and Hispanic influences. Celebrate the 29th year of Festival International de Louisiane April 22-26, 2015 in downtown Lafayette, LA. Please visit www.festivalinternational.org or call 337-232-8086 for more information.