(I had this published in the Buffalo (NY) Courier-Express WAY back on Jan. 18, 1981! This year's event will be held from Jan. 25-Feb. 11. So, if you're interested, here's a link: https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/what-to-do-quebec-city/events/quebec-winter-carnival)
It is the dead of winter. The Christmas and New Year's exhuberance have long since faded away as the bitterly cold days have settled in. If that weren't enough, the postponed holiday shopping bills are coming due. It's a gloomy picture indeed!
Suddenly, a snowman appears in this northern city, spreading a brand of joy that warms the heart, if not the body. It is Bonhomme Carnaval, the official mascot of Quebec Carnival Feb. 5-15.
(Pinterest.fr photo)
Despite Quebec City's relatively small population, this affair compares favorably with such spectacles as The Carnival of Rio and Mardi Gras of New Orleans. And why not? The hometown interest and preparations are astounding. Initial planning takes place in summer, and more than 1,200 volunteers become involved in about 100 carnival committees.
But during the carnival itself, it is obvious that Bonhomme is king of the festivities. One of the major events, the International Snow Sculpture Competition, is set right at his snow castle--an immense structure that takes a full month's labor from 20 arduous workers to be completed on time.
The competition features three-member teams from throughout the world, carving sculptures from solid blocks of frozen snow 18x12x12 feet.
Spectators are astonished as mammoth masterpieces unfold before their eyes!
The sculpturing actually commences a day before the opening night of the carnival. Throngs of people assemble as Bonhomme crowns the queen, then fireworks light up the sky. Afterwards, Bonhomme and his court invite guests to participate in a grand dance in their honor.
Winter sport has its niche at the Quebec Carnival. A high level of competitive spirit is evident in the St. Lawrence River canoe race, held on the final day of proceedings. More than 125 contestants are grouped into teams of separate amateur and professional categories, seeing who can maneuver the canoe through ice packs on the river!
Other competitive activities include dogsled and snowshoe races and championships in acrobatic skiing and speed skating. The Pee Wee Hockey Tournament runs from Feb. 12 past the Carnival's closing date to Feb. 21.
If you get tired of being a mere spectator, you can become actively involved, regardless of age. You may not have the knowhow to tackle city skiing, but you may want to bring your sled or rug and slide down Place Carnaval's hill. The more courageous may want to try a toboggan ride. Another event is the mustache contest!
Quebec Carnival is for everyone, and all of Bonhomme's guests are invited to a free open-air Western breakfast.
Although the carnival is held in large portions of the city, sightseeing in the remainder of Quebec City can be arranged by open horsedrawn carriage or sleigh. There is just so much jubilation one can take! Sights include the Parliament Building, Montmorency Falls, St. Louis Gate, Quebec Basilica and the city's countless monuments.
(From the Shore Excursions Group)
Be sure to hurry back for some of the exquisite nighttime fun and frolic. Perhaps you wish to attend a 17th-century costume ball (about $3 per person) or join the frenzy of loud music and colored lights to dance for free every night in Place Carnaval.
Night parades will be held at 7 on Feb. 7 and at 8 on Feb. 11. Creative and well-lit floats glide down the main thoroughfares, preceded by clowns and a variety of marching bands.
Kids love parades, but probably not as much as they will marvel at their final-day duty. Children are allowed--no, encouraged--to demolish all snow sculptures from the championship carving competition. Pictures are taken of all entries prior to their destruction.
Grownups who like to whoop it up will feel at home at the Quebec Winter Carnival. Bonhomme's official greeting is "Everyone MUST have a good time!" It is not too difficult to obey.
For more information, write to Carnaval de Quebec, 290 rue Joly, CP8, Quebec, PQ G1L 1N8.
No comments:
Post a Comment