World Champion Jean Lafitte Pirogue Races

Since the 1930s, the communities of Bayou Barataria has gathered for the traditional Jean Lafitte Pirogue Races. Last year, after a hiatus, the town of Jean Lafitte re-introduced the beloved bayou celebration of local heritage, food, and music with a resounding response. 

This year's races will take place at the Jules Nunez Seafood Pavilion and AJ & Sheron Fabre Market on Bayou Barataria (920 Jean Lafitte Blvd.), beside the public boat launch. Along with arts and crafts, local food, and live music by Junior and Sumtin' Sneaky and the Aaron Foret Band, attendees can also observe a Cajun canoe builder in action, and get a pirogue history lesson while they're at it. 

If you're itching to get that little boat in the water, there are categories for boys and girls ages 13–15, men and women over 50, 2-person canoes, men and women's work boats, a blindfolded race, a decoy pick up race, and a women's and men's kayak 300 meter kayak race. The Championships for men and women are two miles long. 10 am–6 pm. jeanlafitteraces@gmail.com; (504) 756-3714.