The Omelette of Friendship

During the first weekend of November, thousands of visitors are drawn to my hometown for a unique cultural experience observed in only six cities throughout the world. The Cajun community of Abbeville, Louisiana, is the only place in the United States to host a celebration known as The Giant Omelette Festival.

According to historical legend, an innkeeper treated Napoleon and his troops to a giant omelette feast near the village of Bessieres in southern France. From this wartime preparation grew the French tradition of feeding the poor at Easter time. The first official festival was held in 1975 at Bessieres, with a 10,000-egg delicacy freely distributed to all in attendance. The celebration has assumed an international flavor with the addition of Fregus in France, Dumbea in New Caledonia, Granby in Canada, and Malmedy in Belgium as sister-cities in the "Confrerie" (brotherhood of cooks).

Abbeville's participation began in 1984 after three Chamber of Commerce members traveled to Bessieres to attend the Easter Omelette Festival. The visiting Cajuns were knighted into the exclusive fraternity of "chevaliers" (omelette chefs) and returned home to organize a similar celebration of their French-Canadian heritage. Within the past sixteen years, the honorary roster of tall-hatted chevaliers has increased, and the Giant Omelette Festival has become a favorite annual event in the Acadiana area.

As with any festival in southwest Louisiana, there is plenty of good food and musical entertainment provided during the Giant Omelette celebration. Early on Saturday morning, casual walkers and serious runners line up for the WalkAmerica event which benefits the March of Dimes organization. Throughout the festival weekend, Cajun artists and craftspeople give demonstrations and sell handcrafted items in booths under the shade of large oak trees in beautiful Magdalen Square. Displays of antique cars, tractors, and farm implements are also available for public viewing in nearby parking areas. The attractions of Kids' World provide safe fun and creative activities for young participants. Visitors are able to purchase tickets for the "Visite des Maisons" aboard a special trolley nicknamed Annie-Lou; the guided tour includes scheduled stops at designated homes and public buildings of historical and architectural interest in the community.

The highlights of the Omelette Fest are scheduled on Sunday, beginning with an impressive mid-morning mass at the cathedral-like St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church next to the town square. During the early afternoon, a colorful parade is held with visiting dignitaries holding international flags, costumed chevaliers carrying baskets of eggs and large circular breads on long poles, at least one marching band and other groups of excited schoolchildren. Spectators then flock to the Courthouse Square block area, where a specially-designed iron skillet (12 feet in diameter) awaits the attention of the chevaliers.

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