The Quebec Winter Carnival, or Carnaval de Québec, is the biggest winter carnival in the world, and is often compared to a snowy Mardi Gras celebration. The organized carnival began in the late 1800s, but there were unofficial celebrations even preceding that time. It was in 1894 that the first Ice Castle was erected in Quebec city. Though the carnival was an on again, off again event for some time, it has been held every year without interruption since 1955, usually beginning in late January or early February and lasting a little more than two weeks. The carnival is inexpensive to attend, costing only about $12 for a ticket that gains admissions to most events. Some events may carry an extra charge, but the $12 ticket alone can certainly buy a full day of winter fun.
The Carnival is located in Old Quebec, and most of the events are only a short distance away from each other. Carnival goers can easily walk from one event to the other. This year’s carnival begins on February 1st. The event is officially kicked off at 8pm with the opening night winter show, followed by an all-day party on the 2nd called La Degelee. This year’s La Degelee will feature headliner Mistress Barbara, an electronic music icon. One carnival tradition, an extreme canoe race on the St. Lawrence River, has been held every year since the first Quebec Winter Carnival. This year’s canoe race will be held on February 10th.
Parades are a big part of the festivities, and are held several times during the 17 days of the winter carnival. Parades include dance troupes and marching bands, floats and fireworks. Snow and ice sculptures are also an important part of the event. The most intricate ice sculpture is the fabulous Ice Palace built for Bonhomme, the king of the carnival. Bonhomme, an oversized snowman with a jaunty red cap, was named as one of the top ten creepiest mascots by The Magazine. The Ice Palace in Jacques Cartier square even boasts a dungeon, supposedly to jail celebrants who failed to honor Bonhomme. The masquerade Ball de Bonhomme is another main event of the carnival, an the Ice Palace is featured in both the opening and closing ceremonies of the carnival.
During the carnival, you can find free outdoor banquets, set up to serve breakfast or brunch. There are also lots of winter activities going on for carnival-goers to participate in or watch. You can find snowboarding and snowshoe races, dog sledding, and hockey games. Though it isn’t an official part of the carnival, Quebec City’s Ice Hotel is open during the time of the carnival, and its icy bar and nightclub make for a fun way to finish out the night after spending a day at the carnival. If you’re looking for some winter revelry, Quebec’s Winter Carnival is the place to be this February.
