‘Enweille dehors!’ ‘Go outside!’ for the 71st Winter Carnival
‘Enweille dehors!’ ‘Go outside!’ for the 71st Winter Carnival
Cassandra Kerwin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
cassandra@qctonline.com
‘Enweille dehors!’ ‘Go outside!’ for the 71st Winter Carnival
Cassandra Kerwin
cassandra@qctonline.com
Go outside! That was Bonhomme Carnaval’s order for the 71st Winter Carnival from Feb. 7 to 16. Now that snow has started to cover Quebec City, Bonhomme and his team are putting the pedal to the metal in preparing for the beloved winter festival.
Carnival energy was buzzing at the newly refurbished Maurice Restaurant on Nov. 28. The official program was announced, revealing a bundle of new and traditional activities and events. The exclusive Garrison Club will host an all-night pyjama party (Feb. 15). Experienced climbers will have the opportunity to rappel down the Château Frontenac on Feb. 8 and 9 (spaces are limited). At Place George-V, enjoy the view and music from the Philadelphia Ferris Wheel or dance to music at the Kraft Jukebox. On the last day of the celebrations – Feb. 16 – graffiti artists are invited to leave their mark on the Ice Palace.
The night parades will return on Feb. 8 in Charlesbourg and Feb. 15 on Grande Allée. Place de l’Assemblée-Nationale will be transformed into the Zone Loto-Québec with Bonhomme’s Ice Palace and its eight towers. The snow sculpture garden in Place de la Francophonie, the Calgary Flapjack Breakfast on Grande Allée (Feb. 8) and the Ice Canoe Race (Feb. 9) will also attract a crowd.
The popular music and dance dome near the Ice Palace will welcome a variety of performers, including Mariana Mazza and her guests on opening night, Habstrakt (Feb. 8), a New Country party (Feb. 12), Eman and Souldia (Feb. 13), David Pineau and Sara Dufour (Feb. 14) and Karma Kameleons (Feb. 15). Carnival-goers might also spot Bonhomme skating on weekends at the Place D’Youville ice rink.
After so much partying, Bonhomme will need a bath. Anyone brave enough to take a dip in the snow can join him for the Snow Bath on Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. at the Tourny Fountain “Whether it’s cold, chilly, sunny or stormy, Bonhomme’s invitation is clear: Get outside!” said Marie-Eve Jacob, general manager of the Quebec Winter Carnival. “In addition to the beloved classics, several extravagant new features are being added to experience our winter differently. During the day, our program is family- oriented, while in the evening, we switch to festive mode!”
Carnival-goers 13 and older need to purchase this year’s effigy to have access to the sites. Until Jan. 12, it is on sale for $25 plus tax at participating Couche-Tard stores and online. From Jan. 13, it will be priced at $39 plus tax. This year, for collectors, there are two versions: the more readily available yellow effigy and the harder-to-find blue effigy.
For more information and to see the full program, visit carnaval.qc.ca/en.
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