HéHo! Festival a major success

St. Boniface

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/03/2025 (239 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Every year, Manitobans flock to Festival du Voyageur to enjoy the largest winter festival in western Canada. Hosted here in St. Boniface, Festival is a time for all of us to come together and enjoy the activities, food, art and music that celebrate our culture and heritage as Franco-Manitobans. Festival also highlights the importance of the contributions of the Métis and First Nations communities, all of whom were vital to the founding of our province and to our cultural mosaic in Manitoba.

As Festival du Voyageur celebrated its 56th annual edition in St. Boniface, the festivities were in full swing throughout its entire 10-day run. Despite the extreme cold that persisted through the first part of the celebration, the dedicated voyageurs didn’t stay at home. Every year, Festival hosts about 75,000 annual visitors to Voyageur Park, and this year was no different. In fact, compared to last year, the10-day passes sold out on the first weekend. There were also 150 artists performing throughout the week, with venues packed to the brim with excited attendees. It was great to hear music from these talented local, national, and international artists who came to visit our corner of St. Boniface at Festival. The cold also made for perfect conditions with the many snow and ice sculptors, whose beautiful creations lasted throughout the week.

During this year’s jigging contest, we also had a record number of dancers, with 50 participants of all ages participating in the contest. I was glad to see so many participants during Festival who are passionate about engaging in French, their culture and with the community. Hearing the music and watching the competitors enjoy themselves while practicing their cultural heritage is always a privilege.

As a Métis francophone, it’s always a pleasure to attend Festival du Voyageur. The artistic, educational, and cultural events are all important to the celebration and sharing of Métis and Franco-Manitoban culture and heritage. I am a proud long-time attendee of Festival du Voyageur and it is important to me and my family’s heritage as Métis Franco-Manitobans. Being able to enjoy good music, food, and fun with everyone is always a highlight of my year!

It was an incredible opportunity to be able to meet many of you over the course of the 56th annual Festival du Voyageur. I hope to once again see you all next year so we can continue to enjoy Franco-Manitoban and Métis history together.

HéHo!

As always, if you would like to get in contact with me, you can email me robert.loiselle@yourmanitoba.ca, visit us at 118 Rue Marion (by appointment only) or call 204-505-2800