CBC Digital Archives

1957 Quebec Winter Carnival opening

It was a merry fete celebrating pea soup and tourtière. Revellers rejoiced in the culture of les habitants when the Quebec Winter Carnival first began in 1894. In 1955, residents of Quebec City revived the festival with new traditions in the old city. Skilled canoeists raced on the half-frozen St. Lawrence and artists built ice sculptures. But over the years purists say Le Carnaval de Québec has strayed too far from its roots, using gimmicks from Bonhomme to Brooke Shields to attract crowds.

Early years of carnival revival begin with Bonhomme.

Medium: Radio
Program: Canadian Scene
Broadcast Date: Feb. 17, 1957
Guest(s):
Reporter: Luc Chasse
Duration: 3:09
Song credit: "Chanson du Carnaval" by Roger Vézina and Pierre Petel, SOCAN.

Last updated: February 8, 2013

Page consulted on March 20, 2013

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