Maple syrup is one of Canada’s most iconic sweet treats, loved for its unique flavour and natural origin. However,...
The Quebec Carnival
The history of the Quebec Carnival
The tradition of celebrating in the dead of winter dates back to the colony of New France. Family and friends gathered during the first 2 months of the year to break the boredom and try to forget the deep cold of the season. In the pure tradition of French Canadians, the colonists prepared a feast, musical performances and traditional dances. For several days, people partied, ate and had fun to give themselves courage during the harsh winters. This annual celebration in the deepest and darkest of the season would later lead to the first major snow festivals at the end of the. Indeed, in 1893, businessmen led by former Quebec Premier Joly de Lotbinière launched a huge carnival to brighten up the dark winter days and attract tourists to the city.
This tradition had to stop during the two World Wars and then during the Great Depression. In 1954, the festival returned on a regular basis. That year, a group of businessmen decided to revive this tradition and modernize it. The goal was always to attract visitors, while contributing to the economic development of the region.
The Quebec Carnival today
A Quebec Carnival has been held every year since 1954. It has become a multi-day event that attracts tourists from across the country and around the world, despite the particularly cold temperatures. Access to the Carnival sites is subject to a fee: you must obtain the Carnival effigy, a type of pass costing around 15 Canadian dollars, to access the various activities.
The Bonhomme (de neige) Carnaval makes his appearance at the opening of the event. He is the mascot and official ambassador of the Carnival. He was introduced to the public during the first "modern" version of the carnival. He is a giant snowman wearing a red hat, black buttons and an arrowhead sash. He is 2 metres tall and weighs 1.5 tonnes. Quebecers love his joie de vivre, which is also their emblem. He is so famous that he is given the keys to Quebec City at each opening of the Carnival, and this since 1955. He is most visible during the Saturday evening parade, on the last float. He can also be seen during the day in the ice palace, his official residence and another must-see at the Carnival.
Attractions of the Quebec Carnival
At the opening of the Carnival, the snow and ice sculptures offer a most astonishing spectacle. It is more than a hundred sculptures following a predefined path to discover throughout the city.
Bonhomme Carnaval's home is a palace made entirely of over 2,000 blocks of ice. It is located right across from the Quebec Parliament building. The design of the castle changes every year, but it always contains a reception, a small museum with memorabilia from previous carnivals, a spa area, a children's playroom, etc. This attraction can be visited at any time, but it is particularly striking when it is struck by lights at night.
The Carnival offers other original activities: rides through the city in a horse-drawn sleigh or dog sled races in Old Quebec, not far from the Château Frontenac. The bravest can also go ice skating on Place d'Youville in the heart of Old Quebec. Quebec with family and friends.
The night or day parades are another spectacle in their own right with marching bands, singers and jugglers. It is about thirty minutes of music and fun that spreads good humor in its path.
One of the main attractions of the Carnival takes place on the historic Plains of Abraham, not far from the streets of Old Quebec. They are transformed into a real winter amusement park and offer many activities, especially for children. They can have fun on the Ferris wheel, the inflatable houses or even the ice castle and its slide.
One of the most notable sporting events of the carnival is the canoe race on the frozen part of the Saint-Laurent River, at the Bassin Louise in the port of Québec. It has taken place every year since 1955, generally on the second Saturday of the carnival.
THE First Nations and settlers traditionally built wooden canoes to carry people and goods across the river. During the winter, the river freezes at the end of the town and sometimes creates a natural bridge. Otherwise, most areas around the river were unreachable without a canoe. This race is a way to honor the efforts and traditions of the elders.
The Quebec Carnival and its delicacies
Carnival is also an opportunity to taste Quebec specialties, such as beaver tails. This type of flat donut has - as its name suggests - the characteristic shape of a beaver tail.
Maple taffy is a confectionery found everywhere during this event. Made with maple syrup heated and condensed, this caramel is then poured in strips onto the snow and wrapped around a stick.
A good plate of poutine is a must during the Carnival! It is always a delight with its hot fries, his meat sauce and its squeaky bits of cheese
As it happens in winter, the Carnival of Quebec offers many alcoholic drinks to warm up. For example, Caribou is a hot drink made with maple syrup, brandy and wine. It is the official drink of the Carnival! During this event, you can also taste a kind of grog rum based, gin and syrup. Called Ponce, it is actually a rather light alcoholic cocktail. The Bonhomme Cosmo is, for its part, an iced shot of vodka accompanied by a red syrup. To be consumed cautiously, responsibly and in moderation!
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