The tradition of celebrating from the end of January until mid-February is not new! In Quebec City, the world's snow capital, the first major winter carnival was born in 1894.
A population often experienced by the rigors of winter then puts on a snow festival to warm the hearts. Interrupted by the two world wars and the great economic crisis of 1929, the Carnival re-emerged sporadically until the second half of the century. In 1954, in a perspective of economic development of the Old Capital, a group of business people revived the party and chose Bonhomme as representative of the event. The first edition of the Quebec Winter Carnival took place in 1955. The Carnival became a must-attend event for the people of Quebec City and the driving force behind the winter tourist activity in the city. Today, the Quebec Winter Carnival is undeniably a major winter event and remains a driving force in Quebec's winter life.
As the 65th edition neared, the Quebec Winter Carnival prepared for the next step of its development through an orientation exercise under the guidance of Mr. Daniel Gélinas. The Carnival organization strongly believes this fundamental effort will support the evolution of our event. This new vision centers around three axes: creating a program based on major events, fostering community partnerships to promote associated activities, and optimizing visibility of the Carnival within Quebec City. The 2019 Carnival is already taking its first steps down this exciting new path. We’re condensing our activities over 10 days, updating classics like the Ice Palace and the Parades and propping up associated activities all over town. Come take a look—Bonhomme is expecting you!
Carnival traditions
Red clothing, festive songs, the arrow sash, Bonhomme’s Effigy and the famous caribou are time-honored traditions going back to the origin of the Carnival, if not earlier.
The arrow sash
If the sash is still present in Quebec society today, it is largely thanks to the Quebec Winter Carnival. In the 19th century, this belt was used to tighten the coats at the waist to prevent the cold from engulfing. She could also support the back during the effort.
Many believe that the arrowhead technique is of Aboriginal origin whereas it is rather a mixture of two methods: Native American weaving and French-Canadian weaving. The basic pattern, called chevron, is universal.
Here's how to tie your arrow sash
1
Place the belt around the waist, herringbone from the left band pointing down.
2
Cross the two bands of the belt keeping the left band on top.
3
Make a loop: pass the left band under the one on the right, then flap it forward!
4
Chevrons point downwards, and above all, keep the sash to your left, where your ❤️ is.
The song Salut Bonhomme
The trumpet
To set the mood, nothing better than these long red or blue trumpets that animate the course of the Carnival of Quebec Night Parades! Come on, dress in red, tie your sash and tie your tuque, because in Quebec, it's a tradition to celebrate!
Did you know that the Carnival trumpet can produce up to 114 decibels?
Carnival through the years
1894
1894
First Carnival in Quebec City.
1894
1928
1928
The Automobile Club of Quebec is proud, and rightly so, of this ice sculpture in front of its offices at the corner of Buade and Jardins streets.
1928
1954
1954
The founders of Carnival proudly wearing the sash. From the right: Louis Paré, Louis-Philippe Plamondon and Wilbrod Bherer.
1954
1955
1955
First Quebec Winter Carnival and first appearance of Bonhomme Carnaval. The year 1956 is also remembered for the crowning of Estelle Côté, the first Queen of the Carnival.
1955
1956
1956
Whether it's in Upper or Lower Town, the Carnival Parades have always amazed the spectators. We also remember 1956 for the Mardi Gras Ball and the Ski Race in the Salaberry coast.
1956
1958
1958
The canoe race takes place in the worst conditions in the history of this classic. Only 4 of the 21 teams return safely.
1958
1959
1959
A new concept was created to replace raffle tickets: the Carnival Candle. For the first time, the Queen is elected after a random draw. The Soapbox Derby is now part of the program.
1959
1960
1960
In 1960, the first Carnivalesque Street is born: Sainte-Thérèse Street and its snow monuments.
1960
1961
1961
The first Barrel Jumping Competition takes place. Motorcycle Races on the ice were held occasionally until 1997.
1961
1964
1964
The name "Bonhomme Carnaval" and his image become registered trademarks. Voûtes Chez Ti-Père opens on rue Sainte-Thérèse.
1964
1966
1966
The Order of the Duchesses is created. A team of women takes part in the Canoe Race for the first time. In the summer, thousands of families received a questionnaire as the Carnival launched its first public consultation. This exercise was repeated the following year.
1966
1969
1969
Visit of the Princess Grace of Monaco.
1969
1970
1970
The Pee-Wee International Hockey Tournament has long been associated with Carnival.
1970
1973
1973
First International Snow Sculpture Competition. Also, the Ice Palace is built at the Esplanade, in front of Parliament Building, rather than at place D’Youville
1973
1974
1974
The mustache contest is launched and will remain until 1985. At the 1973 and 1974 Carnivals, Bobino (Guy Sanche) and Bobinette, characters from the beloved children’s TV show Passe-Partout, offer four shows at the Quebec City Armoury. Bobinette wears a full Bonhomme Carnaval disguise, complete with a red tuque and arrow sash.
1974
1976
1976
The sport of ice canoe was created because of Carnival.
1976
1979
1979
From this point until 1992, Bonhomme's Palace was made of snow due to the lack of an ice supplier in the area.
1979
1981
1981
The 1981 Ice Palace. The Eccentric Hairstyle Contest persists until 1991.
1981
1983
1983
Until 1994, the wax candle is replaced by a “scratch-and-win” candle similar to a lottery ticket. First Night Parade in Charlesbourg.
1983
1987
1987
First edition of the snow bath in the programming.
1987
1997
1997
The move to a family-oriented Carnival begins. The Ducheses and Queen disappear, and Duchies become Bonhommies.
1997
1998
1998
The Knuks, mischievous jokers from the north, are seen for the first time. These cheeky characters are talented magicians, dancers and pranksters. The Carnival now has a title sponsor.
1998
2004
2004
The Carnival celebrates its 50th anniversary and presents an exhibition at the Musée du Québec
2004
2008
2008
The Carnival is the very first event to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Quebec City. A new Parade is created especially for the occasion.
2008
2010
2010
The carnival nightlife is enhanced by the huge outdoor scene, located on the Plains of Abraham.
2010
2012
2012
Bonhomme’s Ice Palace moves to Place Desjardins, by all other activities. In the Palace's huge igloo-like dome, people can dance in a festive atmosphere!
2012
2013
2013
The LUMOCITÉ project, a projection mapping initiative, lights up four buildings near city center. A large Bonhomme statue in front Parliament building and the Festibière beer festival are among the novelties
2013
2014
2014
The Carnival celebrates its 60th anniversary by bringing the Duchesses back after 18 years of absence. The new Duchies follow the borders of Quebec City's boroughs. Bonhomme's Ice Palace is once again built in front of Parliament Building, and for the first time, the public gets to visit Bonhomme’s quarters. Eight Carnivalesque Streets join a festive circuit.
2014
2015
2015
Bonhomme’s Winterland settles on the Plains of Abraham. Bulles, Whisky & Cie is held for the first time, to great success. The Night Parades are renewed with a northern theme.
2015
2016
2016
Singer-songwriter Louis-Jean Cormier played his greatest hits alongside the Quebec Symphony Orchestra at the Videotron Centre for the opening ceremony of the 62nd Quebec Winter Carnival.
2016
2018
2018
The Carnival launches a novel interactive activity titled Odyss Land of Ice, an immersive experience offered each evening at Bonhomme’s Ice Palace.
2018
2019
2019
The 65th Quebec Winter Carnival is a turning point that marks a new vision. The celebrations are now condensed over a 10-day period and are based on large-scale gatherings. On this picture: Sapporo EDM Evening!
