RAIN CAN’T STOP THIS PARADE
BRINGING QUEBECERS TOGETHER Hundreds of spectators gathered along Sherbrooke St. to celebrate the 180th Fête nationale on Tuesday. Even a driving rainstorm couldn’t dull the enthusiasm of people who came out to celebrate Quebec’s history, the French language and the rich culture of the province. Kalina Laframboise has the details,
The pouring rain did little to dampen the enthusiasm of spectators who gathered along Montreal streets to watch the annual parade in celebration of Quebec’s 180th Fête nationale.
The parade kicked off at 2:30 p.m. on Sherbrooke St. and Place de Léry where the streets were lined with spectators adorned in blue and white.
It brought out provincial and federal politicians from parties such as the NDP, Québec solidaire and the Bloc Québécois.
“I come every year to this parade,” said NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair. “It’s a parade that brings all Quebecers together. We can celebrate how much we got going for us here in Quebec and our proud history.”
The celebrations included giant floats of historic figures from both Montreal and Quebec’s history such as Jeanne Mance, Paul de Chomedey and Ludger Duvernay. There were tributes to the arrival of the Europeans, Quebec’s harsh winters and the French culture.
Many spectators watched from their balconies, waving Quebec flags as the parade moved into Montreal’s east end.
Ella Luy attended the parade so she could celebrate Quebec and show her appreciation for the French language and culture.
“Quebec is a beautiful province,” said Luy. “We can learn a lot about our history, and it is the most important day in Quebec.”
An homage to the former Quebec Nordiques included dancers waving hockey sticks in old jerseys while singing along to Le But from Quebec hip hop group Loco Lacass. This illicited cheers from spectators on the sidewalks and those who walked at the tail end of the celebrations.
Special guest and slam poetry artist Ivy voiced his love for Quebec from atop a float made of books to mark the importance of the French language. The float was followed by dancers in white holding block letters of the French alphabet.
“I am so proud to be a Quebecer,” said Ivy. “You’re all so beautiful beneath the rain.”
The parade was just one of hundreds of events across Quebec to celebrate the Fête nationale.