Le CARNAVAL de Quebec - Canada
The biggest winter carnival in the world is Le Carnaval de Québec (known in English as the Quebec City Winter Carnival) held in Quebec Canada.
Since the beginning of French colonies in present day Canada colonists formed a raucous tradition of getting together just before Lent to eat, drink and be merry. The first large winter Carnival in Quebec, the world's snow capital, took place in 1894. The city's population was often put to the test by winter's hardships, and brought this popular tradition to life by inventing the winter party that warmed up the hearts of all it revelers.
Interrupted by world events, the Carnival was held sporadically until a group of business people re-launched the festivities in 1954. Bonhomme Carnaval was born and became the representative of the event. The arrow sash and red hat are the primary elements of Bonhomme's outfit and relate to Quebec folklore. The arrow sash was used In the 19th century to tie jackets at the waist to prevent the cold from creeping in.
The festival starts on the last Friday of January and continues for 17 days. The opening ceremonies take place at the Palace de Glace (Ice Palace). Thousands of ice blocks are sculpted into a castle, complete with turrets, drawbridge, and an evening light show. The festivities also include cultural and sporting activities such as a public breakfast of flapjacks, dogsled and canoe race, an international snow sculpture competition and a nighttime parade that draws thousands.
RESOURCES
Official website of Carnaval de Quebec
Make a Bonhomme Mask
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