Zydeco Capital of the World
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On May 27, 2000, Opelousas was proclaimed the Zydeco Capital of the World. The title reflects not only the city’s role in the origins and development of zydeco but also the central significance of all of St. Landry Parish in the history and continuing evolution of zydeco. Clifton Chenier, the undisputed king of zydeco, was born in 1925 near Opelousas, the son of sharecroppers. Other zydeco greats like Rockin’ Sidney Simien (“Don’t Mess with My Toot Toot”) and Terrance Simien also have roots in St. Landry Parish, which is the home of the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival in Plaisance and the location of famous zydeco clubs like Slim’s Y-Ki-Ki in Opelousas and Richard’s in Lawtell. To celebrate the proclamation, Zydeco Force and Li’l Pookie and the Zydeco Heartbreakers performed on the steps of the St. Landry Parish Court House.
Click here for more pictures of Zydeco Force performing in front of the court house.
Filed under: Tourist Information on November 12th, 2008 No Comments »