Nestled in the heart of Cajun country, the town of Rayne, Louisiana proudly embraces its title as the “Frog Capital of the World.”
Each May, the community comes together to honor its long-standing frog-centric heritage at the annual Rayne Frog Festival. This three-day celebration, which runs May 9th-11th this year, transforms downtown Rayne into a vibrant hub of music, art, and culinary delights.
Attendees can look forward to a lively lineup of local headlining artists, Sunday mass, hot air balloon rides, carnival rides, a parade, and, of course, the main events – frog jumping and racing contests.
The festival’s roots trace back to the 1880s, when a Frenchman named Donat Pucheu recognized the abundance of local bullfrogs and began capturing and selling them to restaurants in New Orleans. Over the decades, Rayne’s frog industry flourished, with the Louisiana Frog Company becoming the world’s largest exporter of live frogs.
To preserve this unique heritage, the community launched the first Rayne Frog Festival in 1973, and it has since become a beloved annual tradition. Today, the festival features a diverse array of activities, from arts and crafts vendors to gourmet Cajun cuisine, all while celebrating the town’s enduring connection to its amphibious icon.
Whether you’re a frog enthusiast or simply seeking a taste of authentic Louisiana culture, the Rayne Frog Festival is a must-visit event that captures the spirit and charm of this remarkable community.
Nestled in the heart of Cajun country, the town of Rayne, Louisiana proudly embraces its title as the “Frog Capital of the World.”
Each May, the community comes together to honor its long-standing frog-centric heritage at the annual Rayne Frog Festival. This three-day celebration, which runs May 9th-11th this year, transforms downtown Rayne into a vibrant hub of music, art, and culinary delights.
Attendees can look forward to a lively lineup of local headlining artists, Sunday mass, hot air balloon rides, carnival rides, a parade, and, of course, the main events – frog jumping and racing contests.
The festival’s roots trace back to the 1880s, when a Frenchman named Donat Pucheu recognized the abundance of local bullfrogs and began capturing and selling them to restaurants in New Orleans. Over the decades, Rayne’s frog industry flourished, with the Louisiana Frog Company becoming the world’s largest exporter of live frogs.
To preserve this unique heritage, the community launched the first Rayne Frog Festival in 1973, and it has since become a beloved annual tradition. Today, the festival features a diverse array of activities, from arts and crafts vendors to gourmet Cajun cuisine, all while celebrating the town’s enduring connection to its amphibious icon.
Whether you’re a frog enthusiast or simply seeking a taste of authentic Louisiana culture, the Rayne Frog Festival is a must-visit event that captures the spirit and charm of this remarkable community.
