We leave Québec and follow the Saint Lawrence River. Over and over we pass beautiful little towns, and that’s where we see the sign for the „Féstival Retro“. Old cars, live music and beer – what else can we wish for? The cars are beautiful and the band plays old rock songs. The songs must be half as old as the band members. The audience clapps, dances and drinks. Even though we are far the youngest we are having a lot of fun.
Soon after this we arrive at the acadian coast, the former french colony. The coast is beautiful, wild and windy. People here are proud of their roots, the acadian flag (the french Tricolore with a star) is found basically everywhere. We even find out, that there are people who only speak french and don’t know a word english!
Our timing seems to be perfect again and we arrive in Caraquet in time for the national celebration of the acadians. The whole week before they had a festival which peaks in the main event on august 15.
The colors blue, white, red and the yellow star dominate peoples clothes. Live music is played on the big main stage throughout the whole day. By the time of 1pm people start waiting next to the road for the main event, the Tintamarre. On peak 6pm this big parade starts, where everyone on scene walks up and down the road for one hour, trying to make as much noise as possible. Everyone has an noisemaker with them, may it be pot lids, bells or trumpets. This is simply a spectacular to see!
After the parade we join the crowd for the evening show on stage. Obviously the many artists on stage are well known and the audience sings along and cheers to their favorite artists. We don’t know anyone but dance until our feet and back hurt. Vive l’Acadie!
written by Barbara