Cajun & Zydeco

The term "Cajun" is a slang nickname for the descendants of the French Acadians, who settled in southern Louisiana in the 18th century. Zydeco is a form of dance music developed by black Creoles in the same region. The term "creole" has varying meanings depending on time period and location, but in this case it refers to a person who was born in Louisiana but was of foreign descent, generally either from Africa or Europe. The principal instruments in Cajun music are the fiddle, accordion, and triangle, while zydeco uses the accordion, guitar, and the vest frottoir, or washboard. Cajun and zydeco music made their way to Florida over the years through emigration and maritime trade.