July 3, 2008, marks the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City, the first French permanent settlement in North America. With preparations ongoing since 1998, the buzz is building around a milestone event rarely seen this side of the Atlantic.
“More than just another anniversary, our event represents an historic moment for our nation,” says Roxanne St-Pierre, speaking for the celebration’s nonprofit organizing body, Societe du 400e Anniversaire de Quebec. “It celebrates 400 years of permanent French presence in North America, the first meeting between Europeans and First Nations, the birthday of our country, and the establishment of a home base for European explorers that led to the discovery and development of our continent.”
Partnering with representatives of the First Nations and the governments of Canada, Quebec and Quebec City, the Societe du 400e Anniversaire de Quebec is readying for visitors from around the world. The influential American Bus Association, for one, has named the celebration their top Canadian event for 2008 on its annual listing of the 100 best events in North America.
Officially opening with an extravagant New Year’s Eve party this December, the 10-month celebration concludes in October 2008 with the 12th Summit of French-Speaking Countries and an accompanying celebration of French cultural diversity.
The main celebrations commence July 3, covering four days of momentous events. The focal point and official site of the festivities is Espace 400e, situated in the Old Port. In addition to dozens of official and unofficial events here, the highlight stands to be “The Image Mill,” the largest outdoor film projection ever. Starting June 20 and running for 40 nights into August, this open-air multimedia extravaganza will celebrate four centuries of Quebec history with video and animation projected onto a 1.2-mile stretch of harborside grain elevators.
The history of Quebec City also comes to life with daily shows at the Grand Square. The Ephemeral Gardens will showcase 11 contemporary artistic gardens; Encounters Park will serve as a cool oasis for the multitude of expected visitors; Passengers, opening June 3, is a bold interactive exhibition remembering the 5 million people who have touched down in Quebec City since 1608.
Continuing Quebec’s long tradition of “meetings and encounters,” more than 30 conferences and international gatherings have chosen Quebec City for their 2008 events, including the World Hockey Championships in April and the 49th International Eucharistic Congress in June, with the Pope likely to attend.
Major cultural institutions are adding a special anniversary touch to their programs. For example, the Musee National des Beaux-Arts will be presenting for the first time in Canada a unique exhibition of treasures from the Louvre. And there will be spectacles galore, including international events such as a fireworks competition, hot-air ballooning and snowboarding downtown.
Future generations will be able to enjoy the celebrations, courtesy of multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects including improved access to the St. Lawrence River shoreline, new riverside recreational areas, and a historical interpretative center.
For More Info
Societe du 400e Anniversaire de Quebec
www.myquebec2008.com
