Franco Fest, running March 11-16, is set to be a week of festivities, or, rather, a “semaine de célébration” of French language and culture in Victoria.
This year, the LeBlanc family from New Brunswick, known as ambassadors of Acadian music with a Celtic flair, will share their passion through multiple concert performances and a master class (March 13) in Acadian dance, traditional songs and folklore.
Along with the family’s performances, Victoria Francophone Society, organizer of the festival, hails several “must-do’s”.
On March 14, B.C. Francophonie Day, the francophone community will walk in celebration to the Legislative Assembly from la Maison de la Francophone de Victoria at 10 a.m. That evening, la Maison will host a panel discussion on cultural identity in the arts (6 p.m.) followed by an intimate concert by the LeBlanc family (7 p.m.).
On the evening of March 15, the Esquimalt Gorge Pavilion will be filled with French-Canadian culture, Acadian music from the LeBlanc family and dancing at the Franco Kitchen Party, while those in attendance will enjoy a sugar-shack inspired meal with maple and dijon ham, quiches and more.
The festival wraps up March 16 at Victor-Broudre School with the Festive Franco Market, running 12-4 p.m. Featuring French-speaking artisans and artists, plus a sweet treat that many festival-goers can’t do without: maple taffy on snow.
For the full list of the week’s activities and tickets, visit sfvictoria.ca.
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