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There are these types of popular events which, year after year, innovate and improve while making us discover rhythms and ways of life different from us. It is the case with Mondial des Cultures Drummondville which, only ten years ago, was called Festival mondial de folklore de Drummondville. Being a Drummondville’s native, I just had say a few words about this festival which celebrates this year its 27th anniversary and since 1982, the festival has attracted more than 370 dance groups and music from 90 different countries.

This event brings back many joyful memories for me of when I was a kid. The impromptu family reunions at my grandma’s, her famous spaghetti or potato salad, I remember it all. We were lucky that she was living in an apartment close to Lindsay Street where 2 parades were taking place, one at night and the other during the day. Cousins, uncles and aunts were all on the sidewalk to look at the dancers with multicoloured costumes which were often dancing right in front of us. Beautiful family moments indeed!

As I was getting older, I had fun going to the park Woodyatt which was the place where you could find the international market and the Grande Place SAQ. Along with my friends, I was going to all the stands looking for an exotic souvenir made by a craftsman from a far-away country. I came back once with a Mexican mobile with parrots. After all these discoveries, we were going into the grandstands to watch the troupes performing on the scene. We were clapping in our hands following the different rhythms. In short, it represented many beautiful moments with friends.

Since I have been living in Quebec City for 9 years now, I have to admit that I have not returned to the Mondial des Cultures yet. Year after year, I promise myself to go there to see my family at the time of the celebrations. However, my schedule was never fitting with the 10 days of the event. But this year will be different! I cannot wait to see the fireworks after the parade but also to see all the troupes performing in front of the many enthusiastic festival-goers.

While Québec City is full of citizens and tourists in daylight, could it be possible that those people are missing the best hour to visit the city? For my part, I am convinced that even if it is very pleasant to visit Québec City during the day, it is when darkness comes that Québec City really reveals its true beauty.

I therefore suggest you this little itinerary which will allow you to judge by yourself of the particularity of Québec City at dusk. For me though, there is no doubt that Québec City is a beauty of the night! 

 Stop A : Place d’Youville

Your night visit of the city starts at the right spot since Place d’Youville is probably the most illuminated part of the city. The lights of the Capitole and Saint Jean gate will make you remember that the night is still very young.

Stop B: De Tourny fountain and National Assembly
You thought you had seen the whole magnificence of the De Tourny fountain? Think again! Indeed, the next step of our visit is the most famous roundabout of Québec City including this illustrious fountain and the Parliament building. Beautifully illuminated, this is the perfect spot for memorable photos. 

Stop C: Saint-Louis Gate     

Following your way along Grande Allée, you will arrive at Saint-Louis gate, the third stop of this itinerary. This huge gate, also artistically lighted up, acts as the point of entry to the old city.

 

 

Stop D: Château Frontenac
The continuation of the itinerary in the Old-Québec on Saint-Louis Street brings you obviously to Québec City’s icon: Château Frontenac.The continuation of the itinerary in the Old-Québec on Saint-Louis Street brings you obviously to Québec City’s icon: Château Frontenac. At night, this international emblem can be seen in a whole new perspective.

Stop E: Ghosts Tours
You thought that finding a night guide in Québec City was impossible? You will be mistaken since the ghosts tours of Québec City will be more than glad to make you discover the city in a very unique way at dusk. Tours start from the Morrin Centre or Petit-Champlain Street.

 

 

Stop F: Petit Séminaire inner courtyard

 After being scared at the ghosts tour, your next stop is Québec City’s Petit Séminaire. The sumptuous illuminated inner courtyard will make you discover the architectural beauty of this historic building.

 

 

Stop G: Gare du Palais

You are now near the end of your tour. So why not finish it in beauty? Walk down towards the Gare du Palais to marvel at the modern design of the Charles Daudelin fountain with its bright colours which contrasts with the old architecture of the splendid Gare du Palais.

Stop H: New St-Roch
If you are still not ready to go to sleep, you are not that far away from the numerous trendy bars of the new St-Roch on St-Joseph Street and the chic Du Parvis Street. A really nice way to end this walk and your nightat the same time!

To get the full itinerary of this visit, click on the Agrandir le plan thumbnail at the bottom.
Agrandir le plan

Fans of music and outdoor events, you should know that the official program of Woodstock en Beauce in Chaudière-Appalaches region is now available on the Web. From June 25 to June 29, witness some of the most renowned international and local bands and singers like Billy Talent, Karkwa, Bran Van 3000, Filter, Dumas and Pascale Picard, to name a few.

And since it cannot be called Woodstock if there is no camping ground, there will be plenty of places to pitch your tent or your caravan. So don’t forget to buy your package or single tickets to enjoy this yearly event.

It was on May 7 that the Fontaine de Tourny sprung to life for its second summer in Québec City. Perfectly set right in front of the Parliament of Québec, this fountain was a much-appreciated gift from Maison Simons for the 400th anniversary of Québec City. It will now light up every night to the great delight of the tourists and passers-by.

Each year, the Canadian Grand Prix represents the starting event of the summer festivities in Montreal. In fact, the Grand Prix always seems to continuously coincide with the arrival of the warm weather in the city. But the Grand Prix is even more than that. It is literally the eyes of the world which are turned towards Montreal and Québec.

We have to admit that hearing the sound of the engines on circuit Gilles-Villeneuve has a singular effect on everyone. It is true that it is difficult to remain impassive when brightly coloured cars are flying through the curbs, powerful engines are making our hear sore and masses of people invade a small island for the time of a week-end.

But let’s be honest and specify that if some dislike it, many cannot miss any minute of this event. So why don’t you come yourself to make your own opinion from June 6 to 8 in Montreal. Bring your earplugs!

The Grand Prix Club Inc.
http://canadian-grand-prix.com

Québec City Summer Festival official program is finally online at (http://www.infofestival.com/Html/fr-ca/Programmation.html)! While Coldplay and Fergie could not make it to the festival many other artists have been added to the line-up of performances instead.

The program of the festival is so eclectic that it will suit the taste of almost everyone. From Akon to Priestess and from Pascale Picard Band to Feist, you will find something that fits with you. And for those who feel nostalgic, you will be able attend the concert of Yes, one of the major bands of the 70’s, and to applause Charles Aznavour for probably his last visit in Québec City. Even the always popular Dennis DeYoung will sing for you as well as the traditional French-Canadian group Mes Aieux. And to close the festival, the internationally renowned Linkin Park will shake the ground of the Plains of Abraham. We’ll see you there!

Surprise! On May 23 to 25, you will be able to witness at Parc de la Francophonie in Québec City the surpise-gift from the region of Alsace to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Québec City. And what a gift it will be! The Aquatique Show International of Strasbourg has prepared a unique show containing a mix of dancing fountains, pyrotechnics and images presented on a water screen (for real!) in order to wish to the citizen of Québec City a happy anniversary. The project which has required 1000 water sprays, a 150 cubic meters basin and a week of installation will definitely make quite an impression.
And since it is a bit difficult to figure out exactly what we will be able to witness this week-end, we will need to see with our own eyes the beauty of this event. Let’s mention finally that the show is free of charge and will start from 9:30 p.m. for the 3 nights. Happy anniversary!

Média Matin Québec
http://www.mediamatinquebec.com/?section=Accueil&id=9748