Vendredi le 15 juin, 2001
Halifax (N.S.) – The Congrès mondial acadien organizing committee is pleased to make this first of a series of announcements regarding its programming for the 16-day event to be held in Nova Scotia in 2004. On July 31, 2004 opening ceremonies will be held in the Acadian region of Clare in South West Nova Scotia. Historically, Samuel de Champlain and Sieur De Mons as well as other French explorers, landed on the beautiful shores of la Baie Sainte Marie in 1604. This event will commemorate the beginings of Acadie.
On August 7 and 8, Acadians and their friends from around the world will experience Acadian culture and arts in all its forms in the region of Chéticamp on the Cabot Trail. Recognised world-wide for its music and crafts, Chéticamp will welcome Acadian artists from all of Nova Scotia for a splendid showcase of modern as well as traditional creations. All participants will congregate for a pilgrammage to the site which commemorates the deportation of the Acadians on August 15, national feast day for Acadians. Grand-Pré National Historic Site of Canada will host a religious ceremony.
To celebrate 400 years of the founding of Acadie as well as the start of French colonization of the Americas, the city of Halifax will play host to a musical happening of international calibre, ringing with pride and praise for a people with such a rich background. This event is equally significant to ALL as the anniversary is an important part of Canadian history.
Allister Surette, President of the organizing committee states. “These events will be the anchors of the Congrès mondial acadien. Our goal is to showcase the vitality and vibrancy of Nova Scotia’s Acadie to the world.”
Details of these and other events will be released at a later date. A call for proposal for producers of the events will be released shortly. Other events include family reunions, festivals, conferences and twinning ceremonies with communities in Louisiana. In all, it is expected that more than 1,200 activiies will be hosted during the CMA 2004.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world are expected to attend this third Congrès mondial acadien which marks, for Acadians living outside Nova Scotia, a return to their homeland.
For further information :
Vaughne Madden, General Manager
Congrès mondial acadien 2004
Suite 106, Roy bldg.
1657 Barrington Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2A1
Tel : (902) 424-7104
Fax :(902) 424-3600
Email:
[email protected]
Web Site :
www.cma2004.com