Festival

  The city of Quebec, originally called "New France" when Samuel De Champlain founded it in 1608, is the capital of the Provence of Quebec. This fortified city is comprised of the upper town, where Champlain built Fort Saint-Louis, and the lower town, where most of the early inhabitants lived. Prior to Champlain's arrival, this was the site of a small Iroquois village. A tribe of Algonquin took over the site and named it "kebec" (old Algonquin meaning "where the river narrows"). For the past twenty years, during the first week-end in August, the Fete de Nouvelle France (Festival of New France) is held within the walls of Old Quebec. Designed to portray life as it existed here in the 17th and 18th centuries, the festival includes music, dances, street venders, and of course costumed characters roaming the town. Presented here is a small glimpse of the many attractions we saw:

The walled gate entrance into Old Quebec.

Michelle and Robert, from Chicago, came dressed for the festivities.

This couple on stilts were a big hit with folks as they strolled through the festival.

Of course there had to be a military band.

Preparing to defend the city.

The Kumpa'nia drum band was one of our favorite entertainment groups.

Just about every local came dressed in period costumes;

A mother and daughter...

...a 17th century family...

...aristocrats...

...even a pirate...

...or three....

...an Algonquin and a fur trader also stopped by.