It all started in 1879, in a town called Dekattrois. The myth of the Creole
Cat transformed from legend to actuality.
By the early 1900s, word spread all over Louisiana about this unique cultural
festival which put Dekattrois on the map.
Once, the Pet de Kat Krewe was looked upon as social outcasts, now they
are the centerpiece of the Cajun Cat festival, held every October on the even
year, in Dekattrois.
Pet de Kat sightings
Pet de Kat Krewe members have been seen sporting their colorful Krewe T-Shirts in
festivals as far away as Jamaica, Vancouver, and even Singapore.
The Pet de Kat Krewe believes in supporting live music of the Creole
culture. Now the Krewe makes a yearly stop at the New Orleans Jazz and
Heritage Festival. You're sure to see them, up front, dancing crazy and making
a good time.
If there is a brass band, zydeco band or the likes of Earl King, Snooks Eaglin
or George Porter, Jr. playing within earshot, you can be sure that the Pet de
Kat Krewe will be out there hooting and a hollering.
So you ask yourself, where is
Dekattrois?
Legend of the Creole Cat
"Legend has it that a large cat would stalk the Dekattrois neighborhoods
after the heat of summer would subside, and before the cool of winter would
set in. Residents would swear that they were sober when they saw a cat, over
six feet high they claim, walking up on its two hind legs, terrorizing
children and dogs in its path. Later, a crazed resident of Dekattrois caught
the Cajun Cat and put it up on a pole for all to see. When neighbors saw this
huge cat mounted on a pole, they would come out and pet it. This gathering
which happened a long time ago was later named Pole Cat day. Who knew at the
time, but an annual tradition started which led to the modern times Creole Cat
Festival, held every October on the even year in Dekattrois." -- Rudy
Truax, Lafayette Historian
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