Louisiana Crawfish Season Springtime Means Mudbugs are in Full Swing

Once winter starts to pass and the weather warms across the south – you can usually find that people are starting to think about eating seafood. Traditionally celebrated in Louisiana from March through June, the warmer weather brings these tasty crustaceans out in abundance across Louisiana’s Gulf coast. And with the beginning of a new season, many chefs will be pleased to hear that the price of crawfish, or mudbugs, has finally started to drop so that they can serve them to more customers.

Louisiana residents can't get enough of these tiny critters, which are traditionally served at a crawfish boil, where family and friends gather round and enjoy feasting on these local delicacies. Also know as mudbugs, these wonderful local critters make for a seasonal shrimp substitute in many local dishes and are often a great culinary find for visitors.

Everyone has an opinion on where the best crawfish dishes can be obtained. Cajuns may spend the day catching and cooking their own fresh mudbugs off the Gulf coast; in-land Cajun residents are quick to share their delectable dishes across the Bayou State. Regardless, there is one thing that Louisiana is united on: that festivals have always been a great place to find friends and feast on locally caught seafood.

When looking for new ways to sample local cuisine, be sure to try the classic Cajun dishes that can be found abundantly.

• At a local seafood festival: Local festivals are a fantastic place to sample many dishes at a time. These festivals celebrate the humble mudbug, and they are a great way to experiment with a new dish or flavor. But you can also sample other local favorites – most notably crabs and even alligator!

• At any other festival: In true south Louisiana style, even music and cultural festivals have an amazing variety of high quality local cuisines to sample. Food is at the heart of local culture and traditions.

• Local eatery: What better way to try these classic dishes? There are many local diners and restaurants and even street vendors who sell deliciously great food.

• Fine dining: Treat yourself to a true fine dining experience and sample couture Cajun cuisine! There are many fine-dining restaurants across the state that are home to Cajun specialty chefs.

• Crawfish boils: Join friends and family in celebrating the Cajun heritage with a good, old-fashioned boil. All the ingredients can be purchased from local Louisiana grocery stores.

To embrace the essence of the Cajun people, crawfish should be shared. Whether eaten in a dish or by plucking them fresh from their shells, conversation, music and family are what bring value to these edible delights.

Upcoming Festivals in 2012

Many Cajun festivals include live music and activities which are planned for all the family to enjoy. And the spring is the perfect time to celebrate the Cajun heritage as the state always boasts a lineup of festivals around the area.

Please note: It is often advised to purchase tickets where appropriate ahead of time due to demand, but many festivals are free – plus you never known when you will stumble upon an impromptu cook out!

If you are looking to attend one of the numerous festivals, why not sample some of the local festivities? Many festivals are held all across the Bayou State and you never have to travel far to find some good food.

• Crawfest Music Festival & Boil: Tulane University, March 21st

• Crawfish cook-off: Slidell, March 21st

• Chalmette Louisiana Crawfish Festival: Chalmette, March 22nd, 23rd and 24th.

• Louisiana's Crawfish Festival: March 22nd, 23rd and 25th.

• Breaux Bridge Festival: May 4th, 5th and 6th.

• Mudbug Madness: Shreveport, May 24th through May 27th.

• Michael Arnone's 23rd Annual Crawfish Fest: June 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

• The Louisiana Swamp Thing Festival: April 14th.