Time to dig out your sash and your tuque!
Over one thousand people, including 400 youth and several dignitaries, are preparing for the opening ceremony of the 53rd Carnaval des Compagnons des francs loisirs taking place at Memorial Gardens on Sunday, starting at 1 p.m.
In a salute to French Canadian tradition, Bonhomme Carnaval and many Carnaval-goers will be sporting a Métis sash. The ceremony marks the beginning of a week filled with cultural, artistic and recreational activities ending on Saturday, February 13th, with the unveiling of Bonhomme Carnaval and a Valentine’s Day celebration.
For the past several weeks, French-language schools and recreational groups have been preparing musical and dance presentations for the opening ceremony.
Bonhomme Carnaval will also be in attendance, accompanied by his young ambassadors from the schools. The opening ceremony will be followed by children’s games, a family skate and a supper featuring both hot dogs and traditional French Canadian fare.
"For francophones and lovers of French of all origins and all ages, this is an event not to be missed. It’s the perfect opportunity to get together and celebrate French language and culture as well as the talent of francophone youth," says Michel Pagé, president of Les Compagnons des francs loisirs’s Board of Directors. "We hope that everyone will take advantage of this unique celebration to have fun and connect with the francophone community."
The Carnaval 2016 organizing commitee aims to appeal to a variety of interests, ages and budgets, says a news release from the group.
Besides the opening ceremonies, there will be an evening dedicated to the arts which includes an exhibit of visual works and improv with professional comedy group Improtéine, a school show with rock group Règlement 17, Amandine and Rosalie for the younger crowd, winter activities in each of the schools, as well as a Valentine supper, show and dance.
The price of the Carnaval button which gives both free admission to the opening ceremony and a price reduction on admission to several other Carnaval activities has been maintained at $2.
