Apprendre le Québec – EN

The Quebec Carnival

The Quebec Carnival has its origins in a celebration that began in 1894, and whose goal was to exorcise winter and boost the morale of Quebec residents before Lent. Interrupted during the First and Second World Wars, as well as for a few years following the 1929 depression, this celebration took a new direction in 1954 thanks to the determination of a small group of Quebec businessmen: anxious to stimulate Quebec’s economic activity, during this very cold winter and deprivation period that was Lent, they successfully relaunched this celebration to attract tourists to Quebec.

Officially launched the following year, the Quebec City Carnival then had a representative who, over time, would become an emblematic figure of this great celebration: embodying the joie de vivre of the Quebec people, the famous carnival man made his first official appearance, in front of the Porte St-Louis, on January 9, 1955. Other symbols associated with the carnival since that time include wearing red clothing, the arrowhead sash, the image of the man, the essential carnival songs, the famous trumpet (whose sound can reach 114 decibels in expert hands) and the mythical caribou, an alcoholic drink made from red wine consumed by carnival-goers during this celebration.

This tradition of the old capital will celebrate its 65th anniversary in 2019.

A true economic engine of the capital, the Quebec City Carnival generates several million dollars annually. Tourists from all over the world enrich this celebration with their presence. Many activities for the whole family are offered during this event. Day or night, there is something for everyone.

First of all, the visit to the royal court of the Bonhomme carnaval is one of the centerpieces of this winter festival. You can admire a giant snow sculpture that welcomes Bonhomme during his daily visits to the palace, a giant mobile with shadow plays and an extraordinary visit to the ice towers. Also, a new multimedia experience called Bonhomme’s Dream will be offered to visitors.

The traditional carnival parade is presented during the first and second weekends of February. Formerly, the parade was intended to be a long series of allegorical floats presenting various themes associated with winter and carnival: recently, the formula has evolved and has been transformed into a representation of five tableaux, or mobile scenes, which move on the main avenue and stop at various locations for pyrotechnic performances, rock shows, media arts and a tribal and icy environment. The parade ends with a large gathering where winter is celebrated with dances and songs, just like in the good old days.

Other classics that you can attend, or participate in in some cases, include many comedy and musical shows (rock, jazz, blues, etc.), the ice canoe race on the St. Lawrence River, and the ballroom, a dance show with a classical music concert. In addition, you will find ice sculpture competitions, the ice ball, a hand-weaving course for arrowhead sashes and the traditional snow bath where the bravest will dive into the snow wearing only a swimsuit.