Le Bonhomme Carnaval

Yesterday, Saturday February 16, marked the end of Quebec City's Winter "Carnaval" celebration. Like Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the event marks the beginning of Lent. The symbol of the Carnaval is a ubiquitous jolly fellow called "Le Bonhomme Carnaval. His smiling image is everywhere in town: on the side of buildings, on lampposts, in shop windows, and on hats, gloves, and scarfs worn by the locals.

The Tournoi Internternational de Hockey Pee-Wee de Quebec was founded in 1960 several years after the creation of the Quebec City Winter Carnaval. The Hockey Tournament is actually a charity event to help support the work of the Patro-Roc Amadour foundation, which is part of the Order of St. Vincent de Paul. The Patro Roc-Amadour Foundation runs a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation facility here in Quebec for children and adolescents. This year's Tournament Program indicates that since 1960 the Tournament has raised $2,133,000 for the foundation. Pas mal!

The winter festival ends with a huge parade that begins outside the walls of old Quebec and winds its way into the heart of old Quebec. Yesterday, I went out for a walk in the late sunny afternoon and the city was a beehive of activity with tourists and locals out in force. There was a real sense of excitement and fun in the air. There is probably no other city in North America that embraces and celebrates winter as "warmly" as Quebec City. It was a joy to walk around the town and see all these smiling people having so much fun in 19-degree weather!

Henry was scheduled to come into town last night with his Quebecois family to watch the parade and say "Bonjour!" to Monsieur Bonhomme Carnaval. What a great way to celebrate your 13th birthday!