@paulbusch@mstdn.ca2026-02-07 13:22:42
Good Morning #Canada
The oldest winter festival opened its ice gates to the public yesterday and runs to February 15th. The Quebec Winter Carnival was first held in 1894 but became an annual event starting in 1955. It's not the largest in the world but it's in the top 2, and record crowds are expected since most Canadians aren't interested in being interrogated at our southern border.
#Bonhomme is the generic term for a figure ( bonhomme de sucre , "sugar baby"; bonhomme de neige , "snowman"). The beloved character who represents the Quebec Winter Carnival lives a pampered life. He has the keys to the city, from the mayor in 1955, and has a new ice castle built for him every year. He also retires someplace cozy after the event and returns refreshed and ready for next year, unlike European festival snowmen who are burned at the close of activities to bring forth spring. Bonhomme has a better manager obviously.
#CanadaIsAwesome #WinterWonderland
https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/what-to-do-quebec-city/events/quebec-winter-carnival
