|
Quebec City--the "Snow Capital of the World"––hosts close to one million visitors annually over seventeen days of pre-Lenten celebrations from the end of January to mid-February. From a dazzling snow palace to thrilling canoe and dog sled races, the Quebec Winter Carnival is replete with nightly lighted parades, live music, animated floats and stunning fireworks. The keyword here is merrymaking.
A mid-winter celebration which a group of enterprising merchants started on a small scale in 1894 has become, since 1955, not only the world's largest winter carnival but also the third most popular carnival in the world, bowing in numbers only to those held annually in Brazil and New Orleans. Given these statistics, it is no surprise that the event has emerged to become the third largest industry in the Province of Quebec, with $36 million in direct returns and countless more revenue from visitors to Quebec in the winter months.
Most of the events take place on the Plains of Abraham, a 250-acre site of a critical battle in 1759 in which France yielded what is now the eastern half of Canada to the British monarchy. The site is directly across from the Quebec provincial legislative buildings and is in view of the grand and stately Chateau Frontenac, an historic castle-like hotel that never fails to disappoint the high expectations of guests, especially photographers. Journalists from North America and around the globe are on hand to report the events firsthand and to share in the gala festivities.
Highlights of the Carnival include: the spectacle of the massive Snow Palace, built anew every year, and for which several thousands of tons of snow are used; the International Snow Sculptor Competition, with more than twenty countries sending their finest artists; canoe races on the (frozen) St. Lawrence River; the Cross-Country Ski Classic; a "Snow Swim" for the more adventurous revellers; and a mini-golf course on ice. The official drink is called Caribou and is said to contain parts of brandy, vodka, sherry and port.
The Carnival has attractions for all comers but is especially geared to families with children and the young at heart. A case in point is the Carnival's mascot, Bonhomme, a seven-foot snowman who, wearing a red hat and a striped red belt, the official "dress" for the Carnival, presides over the occasion. Moving with his royal entourage from event to event and among the exuberant crowds, Bonhomme is, without question, the true spirit of the Carnival. More real than Frosty, he is the authentic snowman of dreams for children of all ages.
Visitors who are not French-speaking need have no worries. The Canadian policy of bilingualism is practiced at its best in this very old and visually captivating capital city. More than 1200 welcoming volunteers are on hand to make sure that visitors are comfortable and, most importantly, having a memorable time in the "frozen north".
|
| |
