After a grandiose 70th anniversary, the Quebec Carnival is back with a program that has nothing to envy of the previous ones. The organization has once again been able to innovate by offering “extravagant” new features and several activities that are off the beaten track in preparation for the 71st edition which will be held from February 7 to 16.
“In addition to the classics that we love, several extravagant new products have been added, to experience our winter in a different way. During the day, our programming is focused on family, while in the evening, we switch to festive mode,” launched Marie-Ève Jacob, general director of the Carnaval de Québec on the sidelines of the unveiling of the programming on Thursday.
Marie-Ève Jacob, director of the Carnival.
Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
Among these new features, we find in particular the Nuit blanche carnivalesque, a pajama party for adults which will be held at the Garrison Circle where it will be possible to dance, do karaoke, play board games for adults, video games, have makeup done and even get a tattoo.
“Pulling an all-nighter is every child’s dream. There, it’s the adults who will be able to enjoy it with a pajama party. The objective was really to create something different that goes a little off the beaten track while giving a nod to winter with a snow bath in midnight bath format in particular,” explains Jérôme Déchêne, director of programming. .
Jérôme Dechêne, director of Carnival programming. JOURNAL DE QUEBEC/AGENCY QMI)
Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
Other new releases and classics
Following the logic of the breaches of convention often mentioned by the organization, festival-goers who are not afraid will be able, this year, to launch themselves into the void as part of a completely new activity.
Those who wish will be able to de-escalate the central tower of the most photographed hotel in the world as part of the “Abseiling of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac”, which of course promises to offer a breathtaking view. .
Traditional activities such as the canoe race and the two night parades will be back as usual. The snow bath will close the festivities again this year with a “revamped” formula and “crazy tests”.
“Whether it’s cold, cold, sunny or stormy, Bonhomme’s invitation is clear: stay outside,” adds Ms. Jacob.
Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
Music even more present
Six evening shows will also be presented on the Loto-Québec Stage, very close to the Palais de Bonhomme. The organization has also focused on sure values with Mariana Mazza and her guests as headliners, Habstrakt, Souldia, Sara Dufour, the Karma Kameleons, Capozzi, Eman and David Pineau.
New this year and to the great delight of country fans, the New Country Zone will be arriving at the carnival this winter.
Added to this is also the Kraft Jukebox, a new site which will be located at Place George-V where several thematic evenings will be presented. In addition to the shows, several activities such as a demolition room, karaoke, a Musi’Quiz will be offered, not forgetting performances by DJ Bonhomme.
A Ferris wheel will also be installed on the site where it will be possible to make special requests in order to listen to your favorite music while contemplating the tunes of the new Carnival playing field.
Musical evenings
The dome, which will be back for the third year, will be able to accommodate a crowd of around 2,000 people again this winter during its five musical evenings.
- February 7: The tone will be set for the party on Friday by Mariana Mazza with Tounes et jokes and guests, followed by DJ Danick Bastien.
- February 8: It will be the turn of Electro-Frette UEF to warm up the crowd on Saturday. Carnival goers will be able to stretch out with Habstrakt, Capozzi, Tizi, MVNGO, Ben Willo and TomDūno.
- February 13: The following Thursday, the dome will be stormed by none other than Souldia and Eman who will be featured during the hip-hop evening.
- February 14: The next day, Sara Dufour and David Pineau will come and set the place on fire with the Franco evening.
- February 15: The 80s will be in the spotlight during this last musical evening as Karma Kameleons will take to the stage to celebrate with the carnival-goers.
