Acadia National Day

August 15

What is Acadia?

Acadia is a cultural and historical region corresponding to the French-speaking territories of eastern Canada, mainly located in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and parts of Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador. Its inhabitants, the Acadians, are descendants of French settlers established in the 17th century. Acadia is marked by its French language, its unique culture, and its history, notably the Deportation of the Acadians by the British in the 18th century. Today, it is a symbol of the resilience and cultural diversity of French-speaking Canada.

A bit of history

In 1881, the Acadians gathered in Memramcook for their first National Convention chose August 15 as the date of their national day. Since then, Acadians gather on this Feast of the Assumption day to commemorate their history and celebrate their culture. For the past forty years or so, this celebration has taken on a new meaning thanks to a particular event, the tintamarre. This noisy and colorful demonstration became a central element of the celebration starting in 1979, on the occasion of the 375th anniversary of the founding of Acadia, adding to its festive character.

Acadians take advantage of this event to loudly express their vitality, pride, and joy of living, having managed against all odds to perpetuate their culture. Now, on August 15, tintamarres, shows, and joyful gatherings of all kinds take place wherever Acadians live.

Parades, concerts, music, reunions, and a myriad of activities for everyone animate small and large communities alike, not forgetting the essential tintamarre, a joyful procession during which Acadian men and women express their pride and good spirits under a sea of flags, in an exuberant concert of pots, spoons, musical instruments, and horns.

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See also