Chloé Boulianne
The Quebec Winter Carnival is an annual celebration that occurs in our province's capital. But what is this celebration all about? What does their mascot stand for?
The event is usually held near the end of January and the beginning of February. The winter carnival first occurred in 1894, in the snow capital of the world, Quebec City, as a one-time event. Since the city faces harsh winters, city officials thought it would be a great idea to hold a snow festival to bring a little bit of happiness into the lives of their citizens. However, the first "annual" Quebec carnival took place in 1955.
Now, along with outdoor activities including ice skating and dog sledding, alongside entertainment events for the public, there is a huge ice sculpting contest each year. In addition, whole buildings of ice are made, such as the Ice Hotel which is a big tourist attraction.
Ice buildings at the Carnaval de Quebec
The event's mascot, Bonhomme Carnaval, is seen as the Canadian cousin of Frosty the Snowman. He wears a red hat and a traditional Quebecois "ceinture fléchée," or colourful arrow sash. Bonhomme is meant to represent “la joie de vie”; even if his name is “good man,” he can still be a bit mischievous at times.
Bonhomme Carnaval
This year, the carnival is taking place January 25th through February 11th.
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