Unsurprisingly, given the mild temperatures, the crowds turned out in their thousands to come and enjoy the joys of winter on the sites of the Carnaval de Québec. However, the party will not have been easy for the Carnival-goers, due to the extraordinary attendance.
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“We are happy with the real return of the Carnival, but it’s a shame to have to pay $25 per person for the effigy and to spend more time waiting than enjoying the activity areas,” laments Roxanne Thibault. after spending several hours on the different sites.
Same story for Philippe Deslauriers, who hoped to share the pleasure of an event that has made the reputation of Quebec City for several decades with his children.
“It’s the first time we can take them so there is still a magic in the air. On the other hand, we have been waiting for several minutes for the slide.
The young children encountered by The newspaper are more likely to live their day with wonder.
“It’s really fun, underlines the young Albert Savard-Larivière. We danced, we slid, we played in the snow mountain and then we’re going to jump into the pool [de balles].»
Her sister, Éléanore, agrees with a smile.
The irreducible of the Carnival Claude Paré is not kind to the place of the organization. “We are far from the best editions I have known! he exclaims. At the time, we used the plains [d’Abraham] and large spaces. Now, we are confined to well-defined places and it is less practical to celebrate.
Exceptional situation
The director general of the Carnival, Marie-Ève Jacob, admits herself surprised by the number of people who attended the various sites of the event on Saturday.
“It’s obvious that there was a catch-up effect, it was crowded all day. It is certain that today we are a bit of a victim of our success.
She also described the crowds observed as “exceptional”.
Nevertheless, M.me Jacob considers that his organization offers animation and activities that make the waiting time enjoyable.
“Fortunately the weather is nice], so it’s less serious to wait.”
Brain teaser
It’s not just at the Carnival sites that people have had to be patient. Caps of several kilometers have formed on the road to Upper Town.
Photo QMI Agency / Marc Vallières
The precipitation of the last few days has also made it difficult for motorists to find parking.
“I find that the City lacked judgment on this one, they knew that with the parade on Grande Allée, there would be a lot of people in the area. They should have cleared the streets in the area last night,” concludes Stéphane Morin, who says he spent nearly 30 minutes looking for a location for his vehicle.
Photo QMI Agency, Marc Vallières