Opelousas Overview
Home to nearly 23,000 residents, the City of Opelousas, sometimes still referred to as "The Big O," is the parish seat of St. Landry Parish. Located in the heart of "Cajun Country," the city is best known for its Originality. Nowhere else can you find such a rich diversity of heritage, traditions and cultures - all living together creating a "cultural gumbo." It has so much to offer from its Cajun, Creole, down-home southern cooking and everything in between - to Cajun, Zydeco, country and gospel music featured during many annual festivals and celebrations.
One such event borne into in 1946, the Yambilee Festival, has been held in Opelousas. It is recognized as one of the oldest in the state, focusing on stimulating local and national interest in the Louisiana sweet potato and other agricultural products. Through legislation, the city has been designated as the "Zydeco Music Capital of the World," and the internationally famous Zydeco Musical Festival is held annually in the Opelousas area.
"Outstanding" best describes the people of Opelousas - both in the past and present. From celebrated personalities such as the famous frontiersman, Jim Bowie; renowned musician Clifton Chenier; famous chefs Paul Prudhomme and Tony Chachere; and gold medalist Rodney Milburn - to the friends and neighbors you meet every day on the streets. The heart, soul and strength of Opelousas has always been its people.
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