The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, Saturday, May 7 at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport, spreads the Latin flavor in Shreveport-Bossier. Festival organizers have been sharing their Mexican heritage and pride for 14 years. But you don't have to be Latino to enjoy this fiesta. Festival-goers get to enjoy the best in Mexican cuisine, Mariachi music, dancing and entertainment.

Mexican food, anyone? - Authentic beef and chicken fajitas, and some of the best Mexican chicharron tacos and tacos al pastor around will be at this festival. These bona fide Latin dishes have become a mouthwatering favorite. Plus, there will be other nontraditional Mexican delicacies, such as snow cones to beat the heat, hot dogs and other festival fare.

It's a dog's world - Let the rhythm take you away with the featured Mariachi bands and feel the spirit of the gospel groups that will perform. Be sure and pick up a few dance moves with the folkloric dancers. But the party goes to the dogs with the Chihuahua Challenge, piñata breaking and jalapeno eating contest. For the first time, there will be a car show and $500 prize for the Best in Show. For more information about Cinco go here

Party with a purpose - Each year the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta puts on this incredible production for a very important purpose, higher education. "Ninety percent of all profits made by the festival are donated to L.U.L.A.C.," said Gina Hobbs, 2011 festival president. "It all goes to a great cause so the Hispanic population can contribute to the local community. We have to focus on education." Along with higher education, the Shreveport-Bossier Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Inc. strives to enhance cultural awareness and increase community involvement through fundraising, civic events and activities, as well as speaking engagements.


Cajun Crustacean Madness is Back

It's time again for the insanity that is Mudbug Madness. This year's festival, Thursday, May 26-Sunday, May 29, promises to impress even the most experienced Cajun crustacean connoisseur. Memorial Day Weekend in downtown Shreveport will be packed with incredible food, entertainment, and of course the best crawfish around. Here's what you should know before you go.

Dats good yea - Just because this is Mudbug Madness Festival doesn't mean crawfish is the only thing on the menu. Festivals in Shreveport-Bossier are known for their wide variety of decadent fare. You can expect turkey legs roasted to perfection, funnel cakes with any topping you like, and just about anything you can possibly fry to be served alongside some of the most incredible Cajun cuisine in Louisiana.

Get ready to get down - This year's event has a line up of music from Jazz and Blues to Country and Rock-n-Roll and of course the Cajun music staple Zydeco. Two stages will host bands including acts like Jamie Bergeron & the Kickin' Cajuns, The Bluebirds with Robin & Dirty Redd, and Bushrod Jenkins. There will also be a stage dedicated to kids' entertainment including magic shows, group performances and a kids' idol karaoke contest.

On your mark, get set, go! - Besides a kids' idol karaoke contest, Mudbug Madness will host an abundance of crawfish eating contests for men, women, children and local celebrities. If you're interested in participating in one of the contests go here

For everything you need to know about this year's Mudbug Madness Festival visit their website www.mudbugmadness.com


Say "¡Hola!" to Mexican Tastes

Shreveport-Bossier's restaurant scene has become incredibly diverse in recent years, with dining options ranging from Vietnamese and Thai to Greek, Lebanese, and more being added seemingly with every passing month. Mexican cuisine is especially abundant in Shreveport-Bossier. We've listed just a few of our area's unique restaurants, along with why we believe they're special.

Taqueria La Michoacana - 2905 Youree Drive, Shreveport, LA
Some of the best tacos you'll ever taste at any price, much less at $2 each! Options include al pastor, barbacoa, carne asada, lengua, and more. Authentic Mexican drinks like horchata make the experience complete! Price: $2-$6

Mariscos La Jaibita - 2292 Barksdale Boulevard, Bossier City, LA
If it lives in the ocean, you can order it at Mariscos La Jaibita. Octopus ceviche, the Vera Cruz seafood cocktail, and the crab stew (a giant crab served in a delicious broth) are among our favorites. Price: $6-$14