While the origin stories of jambalaya aren’t 100% clear, this iconic rice dish has been enjoyed by Louisianians for well over a century. Many believe that jambalaya originated on the streets of the French Quarter, as an attempt by the Spanish to recreate paella. Since saffron was not readily available at the time, tomatoes were substituted, creating the Creole version so many love today. Take the tomatoes out and you’ve got Cajun jambalaya, which often is accompanied by crawfish, alligator, shrimp, etc. Any Louisianian worth their salt has their own special recipe that they have been tinkering with for years, and everyone will tell you that they have the best. And they do!
In 1968, Governor John K. McKeithen dubbed Gonzales the "Jambalaya Capital of the World," and every year since then, Gonzales has thrown the Jambalaya Festival in Louisiana to celebrate one of the most famous foods Louisiana is known for.
Whether you’re on team Cajun or Creole jambalaya, one thing is certain: you better come hungry to this delicious festival!
Since its humble beginnings in 1967, the Jambalaya Festival has become one of the most beloved festivals in Louisiana.
The three-day festival is chock-full of activities that the entire family will love.
If there’s one thing Louisiana festivals are good at, it’s music, and you can expect some of the best local and national talent to grace the stages.
Damon Troy, Kenny Cornett, Mike Broussard & Night Train, and Rhett Glindmeyer are just a few of the acts that have graced the stages here.
Be sure to arrive to the stages early so you can get a good view!
Kick the festival off by joining the 5K race.
There's also a one-mile fun run, if that's more your style!
For thrill-seekers, the carnival is always a fun time.
The ferris wheel is always our favorite, since it gives you a bird's eye view of the festival.
But the real star of the show is the jambalaya, one of the most iconic foods Louisiana is known for.
It is the Jambalaya Festival, after all.
Teams from all over Louisiana will be competing for bragging rights and the ultimate title of World Champion.
And you get to eat all the jambalaya you can!
Awards will be given at the end of the festival, and you don't want to miss it.
These folks have been working on the perfect jambalaya recipe for years, and this is the moment it all pays off!
Be sure to check out the festival's website for more information, and don't forget to give it a follow on Facebook so you can stay up to date on the latest news about the festival.
Have you been to the Jambalaya Festival, or planning to attend? Let us know in the comments!
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