Québec

Last night I got out my clip on bike lights to attache to my backpack and headed up to Parliament for a light show after dark. This is a special event just happening this week. It was advertised as the history of Quebec which covers a lot of ground considering that it was founded in the early 1600s!

It actually was only a 15 minute walk just past the old part of the city, and I was not alone. The crowds were already gathering, and I got there an hour before it started.

And a show it was. It was interesting because in the US if there were an event like this, I think it would get rowdy pretty quickly. But as the show started a silent almost reverent attitude took over. These people are really into their “country”. I don’t want to be the one to break it to them that they are still part of Canada and really only a province!

I was also struck by how many people were wearing down puffer jackets. I was fine in my polar fleece, but there was a brisk feel in the air.

The narrator of the story was obviously someone who was known to the Québécois because they did ooh and ahh as soon as she started singing. She and her grandson were in a magic canoe that time traveled through all of the important events and contributions of Quebec. It was so well done as these things tend to be in Canada.

I do wonder about the name of the show, “Bleu” . There were people walking around with big question mark signs, and I was so tempted to ask them about why it was called that. However I held back because I was afraid they would think I was a smart aleck and that was not the type of question they were there to answer. I’m guessing it has something to do with their flag and that will have to be good enough for now!

This event is just the kick off to the big day on June 24th when they celebrate their “national” holiday for the first time in person since 2019 . They are getting excited, for sure!Read more