NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The Bayou Classic, a marquee event celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), returns to New Orleans for its 51st year, promising a weekend packed with football, culture, and tradition.

NEW ORLEANS — The matchup between Southern University and Grambling State brings thousands of visitors to New Orleans' Superdome every Thanksgiving weekend. When the parade rolls through Downtown, you know the weekend is officially underway. Deborah Batiste attended Thursday's parade to support her grandson who was riding in Grambling's court.

The Bayou Classic is not just a football game. It's a celebration of higher education. It's a family reunion. It's more than a half century of tradition.

With HBCUs being underrepresented in mainstream media, the Bayou Classic is playing an increasingly important role in shifting that narrative. Companies such as State Farm and Chevrolet, which has become the official motor brand of the SWAC,

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 24: Members of the Grambling State "World Famed" Band performs at halftime during the Bayou Classic game in 2018. This year's Battle of the Bands will take place on Friday, Nov. 29, the day before the Saturday football game. (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The 51st Bayou Classic in New Orleans features the game between the Grambling State Tigers and the Southern University Jaguars, the Battle of the Bands, step-shows and more.