Manitoba’s iconic Festival du Voyageur has received special designation under the Celebrate Manitoba program, which honours long-running community events, fairs and festivals.
“Festival du Voyageur is the largest annual winter festival in Western Canada, and for half a century has been bringing voyageur, Métis and First Nation histories to life,” Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox said. “Festival du Voyageur celebrates French-Canadian culture and everything that’s great about Manitoba including getting outside to enjoy a variety of winter activities.”
The Celebrate Manitoba program was created to officially recognize cultural festivals that have celebrated the province’s heritage for 50 years or longer, the minister noted. Designated festivals receive an official Celebrate Manitoba certificate after 50 years and festivals celebrating 100 years or more will receive a commemorative plaque.
Festival du Voyageur started in 1969 and showcases music, traditional cuisine and the world-famous snow sculptures. With historical interpretation inside the reconstructed Fort Gibraltar and activities for young and old, it attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year. The festival has strong ties to the francophone and Métis communities, and hosts a number of events throughout the year that reach another 20,000 visitors. The Province of Manitoba is a proud supporter of Festival du Voyageur, contributing almost $325,000 to this year’s event, which runs from Feb. 15 to 24.
Events eligible for Celebrate Manitoba designation include cultural, community or arts festivals that provide reasonable confirmation of long-running operation of more than 50 years, demonstrate significant community partnership and engagement, and demonstrate the respectful preservation and sharing of culture through their activities.
For more information or to nominate a festival, contact the Arts Branch of Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage at 204-945-3847 in Winnipeg or visit gov.mb.ca.
