Québec, June 15, 2023 – Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France TD is an opportunity for everyone to have a blast in the heart of
Quebec’s history. The festival will be held August 3 to 6, 2023, on an all-new site at Place de l’Assemblée-Nationale. Steve
Veilleux, singer of the group Kaïn, will be performing at Le Corsaire Inn on Friday, August 4, at 9:30 PM, comedian Charles
Beauchesne will record a podcast on the horrors in New France at the Cabaret à Boisdon presented by Appalaches on
Thursday, August 3, at 10 PM, all our Giants will all be accessible at Esplanade Park on the occasion of The Place Ste-Foy
Giants' Gathering, the King’s Dinner will offer a unique gourmet experience, festive and playful in a country setting, and
many more! The popular TD Treasure Hunt will also be back with three new quests and for the very first time, they will
be available starting July 3. In addition, there are several immersive activities, historical entertainment, talks, games, period
demonstrations, storytelling and shows. The food offer has also been improved and artisan kiosks have been added. The
Decoder Medallion goes on sale today, for only $15 (plus taxes). It gives participants access to the many activities on offer.
And, new this year, the medallion also serves as a Historical Pass to benefit from discounts in eight historical locations in
Quebec City.
A bigger-than-ever festive hub
A favourite for many years, Le Corsaire Inn will once again serve as a show venue, for performers including Steve Veilleux,
from the band Kaïn, who will be accompanied by pianist Gabriel Desjardins; Katia Rock; Les Grands Hurleurs; Margaret
Tracteur et les Faucheuses fauchées; les Fils du Diable; Musique à bouches; and many more! New this year are various talks
on the history of New France in the From Yesteryear to Now series. An educational show for children will also be offered
on Sunday morning.
In the Public Square, immersive entertainment will transport festivalgoers through time to learn more about how people
dressed in New France, what life was like for a merchant seaman, what they did to have fun, and lots more. Visitors can also
enjoy presentations by First Nations artists and discover Indigenous cultures. At the KRWN booth, two barbers will be
offering free haircuts throughout the festival.
At the Town Market, a wider variety will be on offer from numerous food kiosks serving meals and snacks of all kinds. Of
course the traditional giant turkey drumsticks will still be available, but so will artisanal sausages, maple products, homemade
chips and pizzas, fresh pastries, poutine and ice cream. There’s something to satisfy every famished visitor, while also paying
tribute to tradition. And this year, artisans will join the Market, to let you discover local artisans and their products.
“This year, we have lots of new activities! Once again, we want to share our history through modern arts such as podcasts,
improv, performances, and our very popular TD Treasure Hunt,” said Marie-Eve Jacob, General Manager of the Fêtes de
la Nouvelle-France TD. “The Historical Pass will also allow holders of the Decoder-Medallion to discover eight historical
sites in Quebec City, either for free or at half-price, beyond the four days of the event.”
A nighttime cabaret with some surprising shows!
In the evenings, Boisdon’s Cabaret presented by Appalaches will entertain festivalgoers wanting to take in some daring,
naughty or darkly comic shows. The cabaret, located at Esplanade Powder Magazine, will feature acts like comedian Charles
Beauchesne talking about the horrors of New France; the Punch Club–Peasant Improv; a burlesque ship boarding titled
“Rated Arrr!; Boivin's Late-Night Revelries; quiz nights; and much more. The sensation of last year’s festival, the Folles du
Roy drag queens, will also be back this year.
“Festivals are pillars of our culture. They showcase our artists and their incredible talent, and attract visitors from around
the world. The Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France is no exception! Once again this year, Old Quebec will step back in time and
thrill the entire city. Thank you and congratulations to the organizers, artists and many volunteers who bring this year's
festivities to life!”, said Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Québec lieutenant
Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France TD
All the Giants gathered together
Another new feature this year is Place Ste-Foy Giants’ Gathering. Festivalgoers can admire all the Giants in a single location,
Parc de l’Esplanade, which is part of the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site. Access to this activity is free. If
you want to learn more about the history of these 10 Giants, explanatory signs onsite will provide information. There will
also be a question on each one. You’ll need a Decoder Medallion to get the answers.
In addition, some of the Giants will occasionally be moved to various locations on the outskirts of the city, starting in June.
Watch our social media accounts to be the first to find out where they’ll be!
“Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France brings to life the birth in Québec City of the cradle of French North America, a significant
segment of our history. This is obviously an emblematic site, which witnessed the beginnings of our nation as we now know
it. I invite Quebecers from the surrounding area and visitors to participate in this festive event and, indeed, to extend their
stay to discover the region’s numerous attractions,” stated Jonatan Julien, Minister Responsible for Infrastructure and
Minister Responsible for the Capitale-Nationale Region.
“Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France evokes the beginning of the European presence in Québec and enables us to celebrate this
period during which the foundations of our culture were established. The numerous activities proposed year after year boldly
highlight in an original manner life in the 17th and 18th centuries. I am delighted that the government is a partner in this
event, whose authenticity and originality reveal our heritage and our collective history,” said Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of
Culture and Communications, Minister Responsible for Youth, and Minister Responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Region and the Outaouais Region.
“For over 25 years, Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France, a colourful event, has strikingly highlighted our identity and heritage,
thereby enabling young and old alike to learn more about our roots. The event proposes an extensive, varied program and
is contributing to the Capitale-Nationale region’s effervescent event calendar and appeal. It affords families an ideal
opportunity to enjoy time together and take advantage of the scenery, gastronomy, and outdoor recreation facilities in the
surrounding area,” stated Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism and Minister Responsible for the Lanaudière Region.
Flash events offer new ways of experiencing New France
Also new this year will be three different types of flash events: the King’s Dinner, Tales and Legends of Yesteryear, and the
First Nations Discovery Supper. At the King’s Dinner, festivalgoers can enjoy a festive experience in the heart of New
France on Saturday August 5th (rain check on Sunday August 6th). A charming and rustic decor awaits at Parc de l’Esplanade,
within the Giants’ Gathering, so guests can imagine having gone back in time for these festivities in the company of the
King. Nearby, there will be entertainment and activities as well as original music. The cost is $99 + taxes and service charge
for two persons. It includes a meal for two persons, four drinks and gifts! Places are limited and reservations required at
www.nouvellefrance.qc.ca. Tales and Legends of Yesteryear, which will take place at Parc de l’Esplanade and the Musée de
la civilisation, will amaze and delight audiences of all ages. The last flash event is the First Nations Discovery Supper, which
will allow festivalgoers to enjoy a culinary fusion of First Nations and French cuisines during a one-of-a-kind meal at
Sagamité Restaurant in the Old Quebec. Places are limited and reservations required at www.nouvellefrance.qc.ca. The cost
is $119 + taxes and service charge per person.
“Québec City and its citizens are proud of their history, and it’s a genuine pleasure to showcase the origins of our uniqueness
during the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France,” said Québec Mayor Bruno Marchand. “These four days are also a wonderful
opportunity to share what defines us while enjoying the old-time festivities.”
The TD Treasure Hunt returns, this time for longer!
A big hit since its launch, the TD Treasure Hunt will be back this year, with three all-new quests. And, to give people more
time to enjoy these quests, access will begin on July 3! This year, festivalgoers will get to know three striking historical
women from the New France era: Jeanne Mance, Kateri Tekakwitha and Marie Pasquier. Participants use their Decoder
Medallion to become great explorers and help these three women complete their individual quests by finding giant coins
scattered around the Old Town, Old Port and Petit-Champlain neighbourhood. Nearly $1,500 in prizes to be won. It’s a
great activity to do as a family or with friends.
“The TD Bank Group is proud to support the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France TD and to, once again this year, thrill festivalgoers
through a wealth of fun and educational activities,” stated Denis Drolet, Vice President, Quebec-Est District, TD Bank
Group. “We are convinced that by gathering people around shared events and celebrating our culture’s richness, we are
promoting more inclusive communities.”
The Decoder Medallion is your festive pass
The Decoder Medallion, which grants access to the main site and to the TD Treasure Hunt, is now available for purchase,
at a cost of $15 (plus taxes) at www.nouvellefrance.qc.ca (delivery fee additional), from our partner hotels, at the departure
points for the TD Treasure Hunt quests and at the Îlot des Palais, as well as at the site entrances during the festival. Entry
onto the site is free for kids aged 12 and under. From the time of purchase of the Decoder Medallion, holders are entitled
to a range of discounts and to a free Coaticook ice cream at the Coaticook booth.
This year, the Decoder Medallion will also serve as a Historical Pass that lets the holder visit eight historical sites in Quebec
City, either for free or at half-price. The complete list is available at www.nouvellefrance.qc.ca.
The Royal Package, for the total experience
The Royal Package is available for $45 (plus taxes - $15 savings) at www.nouvellefrance.qc.ca (delivery fee additional), as
well as at site entrances during the festival. Quantities are limited. The package includes a Decoder Medallion, a tricorn hat
or flower wreath, a souvenir Ecocup, one drink and one giant turkey drumstick from the Armand booth.
Thanks to our partners
The TD New France Festival thanks its partners for their contribution and cooperation in the event:
TD Bank Group, Appalaches Distillery, Le Corsaire Microbrasserie, Place Ste-Foy, Coaticook, Wendake Tourism, the Huron-Wendat
Museum, Indigenous Tourism Quebec, Box-Expériences, Bouchard + Avocats Inc., Alex Coulombe Ltd., BEET, Benjo,
Énergir, Floralies Jouvence, KRWN, Location Sauvageau, Les Producteurs et productrices acéricoles de Québec-Rive-Nord,
Les Producteurs de pommes de l’Est-du-Québec, Les Éleveurs de porcs des Deux Rives, Le Vélo Vert, the Musée de la
civilisation, the Société des traversiers du Québec and Strøm Spa. Very special thanks to the Commission de la Capitale
Nationale du Québec and to Parks Canada, which are welcoming the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France TD onto their sites. We
also want to warmly thank our public partners: the Ville de Québec, Destination Québec Cité, the Gouvernement du Québec
and the Government of Canada. And finally, thanks to our hotel partners Le Concorde Quebec, Delta Hotels by Marriott
Québec and Hilton Quebec.
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Requests for interviews:
Julie Moffet
Press Agent
Cell: 418-580-8421
julie@juliemoffetcommunication.com
Source:
Amélie Paquet
Communications Officer
Cell: 581-748-8260
amelie.paquet@carnaval.qc.ca