Poster

New Iberia’s Spanish pride will be spotlighted this weekend as El Festival Espanol de Nueva Iberia takes place Friday through Sunday with a wide slate of events honoring local Spanish culture.

The event is put on by La Asociación Española de Nueva Iberia, whose mission is to promote and recognize New Iberia’s Spanish ancestry and culture through events like the Spanish Festival as well as other events.

Carnival rides and games will open Friday at 5 p.m. along with an arts and crafts show. An opening ceremony starts at 6 p.m. followed by a re-enactment at 6:30 p.m.

The Running of the Bulls Races takes place Saturday morning at 6:30 a.m. followed by the Founding Families Parade at 10:30 a.m. A paellas, tapas and jambalaya cookoff will take place Saturday, with an awards ceremony starting at 2 p.m. A Spanish concert band and authentic flamenco dancers will also be part of the festivities Saturday evening.

Other music includes Kaleb Olivier and the Kinsmen as well as Dustin Sonnier.

The festival ends Sunday with a 10:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Mass at St. Peter’s Catholic Church followed by a car show, arts and crafts show and music from Cory Ledet at 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit newiberiaspanishfestival.com.