Posted by: Mae Mayeux

Do you like your omelette with two eggs or three? How about 5,000? The Giant Omelette Celebration in Abbeville, Louisiana is a one-of-a-kind annual celebration where dozens of chefs gather to cook up a massive omelette using a huge 12-foot skillet. This year’s celebration happens November 2nd and 3rd.

This quirky local tradition dates all the way back to Napoleonic times, when Napoleon and his army were travelling throughout the south of France. According to legend, they stopped to rest for the night in the town of Bessieres and Napoleon feasted on an omelette prepared by a local innkeeper. The meal was so delicious that he ordered the townspeople to gather all the eggs in the village and prepare a gigantic omelette for his army the next day. Now, the Giant Omelette Celebration is a cherished local event featuring delicious food, live music, and a variety of arts & craft vendors.

The purpose of Abbeville hosting the Giant Omelette Celebration was to bring it closer to its French Heritage and by joining the sisterhood of cities who celebrate the omelette - Bessieres, France; Frejus, France; Dumbea, New Caledonia; Granby, Quebec in Canada.; Malmedy, Belgium and Pigue, Argentina. Abbeville is the only place in the United States where this celebration takes place.

The Giant Omelette Celebration is about so much more than just eggs. The festival starts off with a charity walk through beautiful downtown Abbeville. For two days, Abbeville’s majestic Magdalen Square is filled with talented arts and craft vendors selling their unique creations to the public. If you’ve had your fill of eggs for the weekend, you’ll find a variety of food vendors selling everything from Alligator on a Stick to Crawfish Etouffee. There will also be live musical performances by some of Louisiana’s best musicians, so don’t forget to take the time to stop and dance to some Cajun and Zydeco rhythms. In addition, the event hosts an egg-cracking contest and an antique car show.

The Giant Omelette Celebration is an incredible chance to experience Louisiana’s French heritage and savor the region’s rich joie de vivre. You’ll make lasting memories, meet new people, and most importantly, have a great time. The best part? The omelette is given away for free to everyone in attendance.

Planning a trip to the Giant Omelette Festival in Abbeville? Book a stay at one of the Louisiana Bed & Breakfast Association's many charming properties located all across Cajun Country.