Quebec City, the World's Snow Capital, held its first winter carnival in 1894. It was an elaborate celebration that provided residents with welcome relief from winter's harsh reality. In the sixty years that followed, winter festivities were organized sporadically.
It wasn't until 1955 that a group of local businessmen decided that an annual carnival would be a good way to stimulate a stagnant economy during the long winter months. From its humble beginnings, the Quebec Carnival grew to become Quebec City's third-largest industry, far surpassing its organizers dreams.
While Carnival activities reflect the character and the tastes of modern-day participants, they also include many of Quebecers' most famous traditions. Fanciful snow sculptures exhibition as well as the traditional canoe races across the mighty St.Lawrence River as as spectacular and as popular as ever.
Since 1955, the Quebec Winter Carnival is recognized as the World's biggest winter celebration, and is the third largest carnival (after those in Rio and New Orleans).
THE FIRST PALACE 1955
Bonhomme Carnaval's first palace was built in 1955 at Carre Jacques Cartier in Lower Town Quebec. The first structure was made of ice, and visitors not wearing a Bonhomme figurine were locked up in its dungeon! From 1956 to 1972 the palace was constructed at Carre d'Youville, where revelers danced in the wide, brightly-lit courtyard. Finally in 1973, the huge castle was moved to its present site across from the Quebec Parliament Building.
FIRST SNOW PALACE 1979
From 1979 to 1992, Bonhomme's palace has been made of snow. Over 9,000 tons of snow are compacted into blocks, which are sculpted and laid side by side to form the immense structure. An average castle boasts a 50 metre facade and is 20 metres high, 20 metres deep. It takes a team of 15 specialists two months to create this elaborate work of art, which is essentially the world's largest snow sculpture! Place du Palais, as the castle and its grounds are known, is the site of many lively Carnival activities. To everyone's delight, the Carnival has turned back the hands of time.
THE ICE PALACE AGAIN
And since 1993, Carnival has featured a genuine ice palace. Colored lights shining through its shimmering walls create a truly breathtaking effect!!
There is a wide variety of sporting events during the Carnival. The legendary International Canoe Race, a popular tradition since the very first Carnival, is a true test of courage and determination. Teams from around the world attempting to cross the mighty St.Lawrence River between Quebec City and Levis must battle ice floes, treacherous currents, and artic temperatures. Thrills and chills abound! There is also the invigorating Roll in the snow, for participants dressed only in a bathing suit! There is also dogsled racing, Soapbox Derby, Car Race on ice and the Cross Country skiing.
The brightly lit night parades are undoubtedly the most colorful part of its program. Each year, more than 500,000 spectators bundle up to attend this exciting event which features floats, bands and clowns. These parades wind through the streets of Quebec City, with music and enchantment.
Thank you for visiting our province, we certainly enjoyed having you here.
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