The Festival acadien de Clare is the oldest Acadian festival in the world and has always been a celebration of Acadian culture and heritage. Thousands of people from all over the world gather every year in the Baie Sainte-Marie region for over two weeks filled with plenty of activities for people of all ages. A series of musical concerts take place every year and feature many musicians from all over the world and music genres such as Acadian, Cajun and Bluegrass. Art expositions and a quilt display show off the talent of local artists and the activities located all around Clare give people the opportunity to visit every part of the beautiful region. Also, anyone can show off their pride and creativity during the annual parade (that takes place on the first weekend of the festival) and the Tintamarre (that takes place on August 15th) and where everyone is invited to celebrate the Acadian pride! New activities are added to the program each year and everyone is encouraged to come participate. We hope to see you there!

The Festival acadien de Clare (from July 29th to August 15th, 2010) is the oldest Acadien festival in the World and has always been a celebration of culture and heritage for Acadians. Many hours of planning and organising are necessary to prepare this event, that includes multiple activities that answers to all tastes and age groups.

The Festival is both for visitors and local Acadians who still live here as well as those who have moved away and return each year during their summer vacations.

Since the 2004 World Acadian Congres, the organising committee of the Festival acadien is composed of people who are dedicated to working together at increasing the diversity and quality of the Festival's activities. You'll find this year, once again, traditional activities such as the selection of Gabriel and Évangéline, masses, parades, lumberjack competition and the very popular bazaar that reunites everyone on the campus of Université Sainte-Anne.

Concerts that are held under a large tent at the Club social de Clare are highlights during the three festival weekends. These concerts include traditional Acadian music, Cajun music, contemporary music and Bluegrass that has always influenced music here at Baie Sainte-Marie. Since 2006, as well as showcasing local professional and amateur musicians, we also welcome popular Acadian groups from places such as New Brunswick and Louisiana.

 

Other activities that showcase oral and visual presentations, music, theatre, food and dance are held in our region's many community halls. The festival also offers an open door day at the numerous local art galleries, an amazing quilt exposition as well as a nature hike that shows the beauty of Baie Sainte-Marie. The two weeks, that are filled with many activities come to an end on August 15th (National Acadian Day) with the Tintamarre, a noise parade and walk.

The Festival acadien de Clare marries the modern and the traditional. Also, one of the greatest things is the Acadian people themselves, who are always welcoming. Come join our large family!