The annual Quebec Winter Carnival, also known as the Winter Carnival, kicked off in Quebec City, the provincial capital of Quebec, Canada on February 6th and will continue until February 15th. The ten-day celebration adds a touch of splendor to the quiet winter of the North.
Quebec Winter Carnival, along with the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan, and the Oslo Ski Festival in Norway, is known as one of the world’s four major ice and snow festivals and is hailed as the largest winter carnival globally. The festival originated in 1894, but it wasn’t until 1955 that it officially developed into a fixed annual event, attracting nearly one million visitors from home and abroad each year.
As an important cultural event in Quebec City, the festival fully showcases the joy of life for Quebecers in the ice and snow: from the festive Grand Parade to the thrilling ice canoe race; from the crystal dreamlike ice palace to the lifelike snow sculptures; from dog sled races to heart-pounding ziplining through the air, as well as heartwarming family activities and the fearless snow bath (wearing swimsuits rolling around in the snow), the carnival offers a plethora of festive activities.
A special mention goes to “Bonhomme,” the mascot of the Quebec Winter Carnival, a big snowman with a red brimless hat, a unique Quebec arrow-patterned belt around his waist, and a cheerful smile, who has become a symbol of Quebec. During the opening ceremony each year, the mayor of Quebec City hands over a set of city keys to Bonhomme, symbolizing the official start of the carnival festivities.
For more detailed information on the festival activities, visit the official website of the Quebec Winter Carnival at carnaval.qc.ca.