As soon as it opened, the room was full. Around twenty exhibitors were already present and ready to welcome interested parties. Many “ordinary”-looking bites actually hid a secret. They did not contain any animal products.
The vegan lifestyle is not quite like the vegetarian lifestyle. No, being vegan means not eating meat, not consuming animal products, such as eggs, milk and, also, not buying clothing from animals. For example, leather and wool.
Basically, veganism prohibits the exploitation of animals.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., adults and children can wander between the kiosks to learn more about this lifestyle and taste 100% vegan dishes.
Some exhibitors prepared the food directly with the participants. (Gabrielle Pichette/Le Soleil)
“We want the festival to be a gathering place where participants can reflect and discuss the importance of veganism in a broader context, exploring intersections with other struggles, like anti-racism, feminism and justice social.”
— Gabrielle Verret, co-founder of the Quebec Vegan Festival
From 8 p.m., the festival transforms and becomes a cabaret evening hosted by rapper KJT, spokesperson for the event. Several vegan artists from the region will perform for the participants. Music, poetry, rap, flamenco and dance are there.
“Beyond food”
For rapper KJT, veganism has changed his life for four years now.
“When we are children, we know that it is not okay to kill animals, but it seems that we are slowly letting ourselves be convinced otherwise,” said the festival spokesperson.
According to him, veganism offers many benefits. The cost of groceries would be lower, he would have more energy and he would be in a better mood. But, for him, the best part of it all would be the feeling of lightness.
“When you make the decision to do it, it’s no longer a sacrifice, because you no longer ask yourself the question.”
— KJT, spokesperson for the Quebec Vegan Festival
A feeling of empathy towards animals colors his entire philosophy, according to him. KJT is outraged when he thinks of cows having to “be forced to have children” in order to produce milk. “Often, we are not aware, it is really a question of ignorance,” he explains.
A step towards the right direction
According to the Quebec rapper, increasing the number of restaurants specializing in vegan cuisine and increasing the number of options in other restaurants would be “a step in the right direction.”
“There are cooks who are capable of doing magic with food.”
— KJT, spokesperson for the Quebec Vegan Festival
For the first edition of the Quebec Vegan Festival, lunch and dinner were offered on site at affordable prices. Café Paleta offered box lunches and various meals for dinner. In the evening, the 100% vegan company Goûtez-moi ça prepared several options for dinner.
Pogo, pizza, cake, croquettes, “everyone can be vegan”.
