New Brunswickers celebrate National Acadian Day with music, food and lots of noise
It's National Acadian Day, or le Quinze Août, and events celebrating Acadian history and culture are taking place all over New Brunswick.
The day, which was established to celebrate Acadian culture, was first recognized in 1881 when the first National Convention of the Acadians met in Memramcook and set Aug. 15 as National Acadian Day.
Although the holiday had unofficially been celebrated since, it wasn't until 2003 that Parliament made the day official.
"On this day, we take time to celebrate the Acadian people, and their contribution to New Brunswick's heritage over a period stretching centuries," Premier Blaine Higgs in a statement on the province's website on Tuesday.
Although National Acadian Day had unofficially been celebrated since 1881, it wasn’t until 2003 that Parliament made the day official. ( Emmanuelle Robinson/Radio-Canada)
"It is thanks to their enduring spirit that the Acadian identity thrives today, as is proven by the culture, traditions, and language found throughout the province."
In a statement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, "through centuries of immense courage and determination in the face of persecution, the Acadian people have demonstrated admirable strength, courage, and resilience."
In Bouctouche, Acadians gathered to celebrate the day, which included a tintamarre, a traditional Acadian parade where people try to make as much noise as possible.
Maurice Richard was in attendance and said the celebrations are getting bigger every year.
"It's a good thing because we don't want to lose that history," he said.
His favourite part of the celebrations is the kindness from others. He said he sat for lunch at a picnic table, not knowing anyone, and a conversation erupted about food and where everyone was from.
Beyond Acadia
While Acadians in New Brunswick went out in full force to mark le Quinze Août, Acadians elsewhere celebrated too.
Anne Godin of Moncton traveled to Archigny in France to present Acadian stories and recipes.
The area is linked with Acadia as many Acadians went to the area after the Acadian expulsion.
The majority left, with many travelling back to the Maritimes or to Louisiana, but a few stayed behind, and those who stayed continue to celebrate le Quinze Août.
Acadian Day celebrations are being held throughout the province. (Radio-Canada)
"We have about 5,000 descendants of this Acadian here and we celebrate that," said Godin.
"[There's] music all over. It's a party. I feel like I'm in Acadia."
Godin said she was moved by the interest she has seen in Acadian cuisine and history while she's been in Archigny.
"They're interested in our history, our cuisine," said Godin.
"It was really something very special … it was really touching for me"
Festivities throughout New Brunswick
Plenty of celebrations took place and continue to happen across the province on Tuesday.
The Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne in Fredericton hosted a full day of activities, which included flag raisings, a tintamarre and a barbecue. It is to wrap up with a performance from Les Fils du Diable.
In Dieppe, celebrations started at 4 p.m., and are to feature performances from Acadian folk-rock band 1755.
Meanwhile in Caraquet, the Festival Acadien will wrap up with evening music performances.
A more complete list of events across the province can be found on Tourism New Brunswick's website.
