Ice hotels, maple syrup, bright red sashes, and a jolly snowman mascot–ring any bells? That’s right, we’re talking about the iconic “Carnaval de Quebec!” This year’s Carnaval runs from Friday February 2nd to Sunday February 12th. Established in 1894 and held annually in Quebec City since 1955, this festive occasion brings together young and old in a celebration of the winter season and of Canadian francophone history. In fact, many generations of Grade 7 French Immersion classes have had the unforgettable experience of heading to Quebec to join in the festivities. Don’t have Quebec-bound plane tickets? Pas de problème; Sentinel’s French Immersion committee is bringing the festival right to our doorstep from February 13-17–a particularly special event, since Sentinel hasn’t had its own Carnaval celebrations in decades!
Every French-Canadian knows that celebrating Carnaval means tons of fun activities. This year, Sentinel students will have the chance to participate in the Carnaval Activities Bingo; activities will include traditional Carnaval activities, ranging from enjoying winter sports to tasting classic Carnaval treats. The first few students to complete the bingo will win prizes, from maple syrup candy to traditional Carnaval sashes. The red sash associated with Carnaval, known in French as “ceinture fléchée,” is an important aspect of traditional Metis attire. Historically, a ceinture fléchée can be used to help carry heavy loads, to keep a coat fastened in the winter or even to bandage a wound; it has since become an important symbol of identity for today’s French Canadians.
All French Immersion students know and love “la tire”–maple syrup taffy. That’s why the committee is bringing this sweet tradition right to our foyer on February 14th from 12:40 to 1:40pm. The first 150 students that swing by can enjoy some tasty maple syrup taffy, and even get the option to make their own! Since this event has received generous funding from the Francophone Youth Council of British Columbia, the taffy will be FREE of charge, so make sure to check it out! Canada is the world’s biggest producer of maple syrup, accounting for around 75% of the world's maple syrup production, with 92% of syrup originating from Quebec; so it’s no surprise that maple syrup taffy is an integral part of Carnaval celebrations. It is customarily enjoyed in a sugar shack, or “cabane à sucre,” a cabin where sap collected from sugar maple trees is boiled into maple syrup. In Quebec, many sugar shacks host dinners and dancing in the wintertime, bringing people together and filling them up with delicious food, from pork rinds to pancakes.
For more information on how to join the celebration of Carnaval, check out the committee’s Instagram, @comitefrancaissentinel; the QR code can be found on posters around the school. Keep an eye out for updates on the committee’s Instagram page and feel free to send an email to comitefi.sentinel@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. Happy Carnaval, Sentinel!
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