From chowing down to dancing until the wee hours, it’s not hard to have a rollicking good time in Louisiana. Add pirate festivities to the mix, and it’s that much better. The event, based on the legend of
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Founded in 1957
- Each year, the first two weeks of May, the City of Lake Charles is transformed back in time to the days of the legendary pirate Jean Lafitte and his swashbuckling buccaneers.
- In 1957 a group of local businessmen from the Downtown Division of the Lake Charles Association of Commerce (later known as the Chamber of Commerce) formed Lake Charles Contraband Days Inc (later known as Contraband Days Inc) for the sole purpose of developing a program to utilize the Lake Charles areas in recreational and cultural activities and to attract tourists. The group opted for a pirate theme with the LEGEND of Lafitte’s Buried Treasure along Contraband Bayou thus the first Annual Contraband Days was held in June 1958 as a one day event with a boat parade, water ski show and boat races. A few years later this group of men formed another organization called the Buccaneers of Lake Charles, Inc and added entertainment by dressing in pirate attire and costume. A “Jean Lafitte” would be selected to lead the buccaneers to “Capture the Mayor and take over the City”. Part of the buccaneer group would also dress in “City Militia” attire, armed with real cannons to try to ward off Lafitte & his buccaneers from landing as part of the entertainment. The Buccaneers of Lake Charles is the primary part of the festivals “pirate themed” entertainment, begins and ends the festivities, and promotes the festival year round.
Contraband Days receives Regional recognition as it has been selected “Festival of the Year” by La Assn of Fairs & Festivals the past three years and receives numerous marketing awards by the Association as well. Also has been featured in Louisiana Life, Southern Living, Acadiana Profile, and many regional tourism guides and magazines as a must see festival destination
Local recognition Tourism Partner of the Year SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau –May 2004 and has received many local awards as “Voted Best Festival” by Times of SWLA — June 2004 Contraband Days provides entertainment for all ages, heritage, and religion. Contraband Days began the first noted in festival history “Family Night” and is an alcohol free night for families with family entertainment. Concerts ranging from Christian and Gospel, to Country and Cajun, to Zydeco, Urban|R & B acts, Oldies, & Classic Rock are a big part of the festival entertainment. Entertainers from nationally, to regional and local are known to have performed at the festival.
Friday December 6th, 2019 - 9:39 am
Our pirates are involved year round in the community. Recently our support organization, the Buccaneers of Lake Charles, entertained and shared pirate loot at the Families Helping Families Christmas Party. What a great organization they are with their mission being helping our disabled citizens and their families.
Saturday November 30th, 2019 - 11:46 am
Something to think about.... from #kingfeaturessyndicate #pirateslife #hagarthehorrible #piratewedding #piratelove #pirateslifeforme @ Lake Charles, Louisiana
Saturday November 23rd, 2019 - 2:54 pm
Some of our pirates enjoyed being extras 18 months ago in a pirate theme episode of NCIS New Orleans. Second picture shows St Louis Cathedral across the way. I set up a pretend pirate clothing booth but actually sold some stuff! #ncisno #buccaneersoflakecharles #piratenation #pirateslife #pirateslifeforme The staff at NCIS and CBS reached out to Louisiana Pirate Festival for extras and props and we sure had some!
This is awesome
So cool!
Sunday May 5th, 2019 - 8:08 pm
A big THANK YOU to everyone who came out and enjoyed our Pirate Festival. To the sponsors, vendors and entertainers we could not do it without you. See you in 2020!
Thank you! Pirate festival for a great weekend
Oh and that gorgeous game name 😂😂. A big thank you to him for being the eye candy of the night lol
Thank you from kids n kream
Downward spiral in full effect, replace your board members & change the name back.....its not too late turn it around!
Is it open for Mother’s Day
Sunday May 5th, 2019 - 6:12 pm
What we are about! #AmericanProud
😂😂😂 she is going to laugh about this one
Wow she looks like she is having a blast 😂
Eating chips...😝
Sunday May 5th, 2019 - 3:18 pm
Be sure to catch the last day of ourPirate Festival!
Only 455 miles....
Sunday May 5th, 2019 - 12:08 pm
Who is ready to make some memories? #food #family #fun #festival
Sunday May 5th, 2019 - 11:16 am
Last day so come out and play. Carnival special today is 4 for $40 ALL YOU CAN RIDE wristbands. Must have 4 people at purchase and 36' height rule will be endorsed.
Is fire works tonight
We went last night for the music and enjoyed it! We didn’t do anything at the carnival part except get food (which was yummy) but the music was amazing! We were there for Steven Simon and hung around to listen to a little Charlie Wayne LeBoeuf!
I thought it last 2wks
How was the turn-out after the storm?
Tony Schlesinger
Aleshea' Watts
