Montréal's 375th anniversary - La Finale: one last major must-see event on December 31 for free!
MONTRÉAL, Nov. 23, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary will be wrapping up this year's programming in flamboyant style with La Finale in Old Montréal. Starting at noon on December 31, the Marché Bonsecours will don its festive finery and host a great, free-of-charge feast for everyone. Afterwards, the celebrations will continue in the Old Port until the wee hours. Everyone who loves Montréal can enjoy an unforgettable day and night of food, music and unforgettable fun as we get ready to usher in the New Year. The spokesperson for this year's must-see event, singer Garou, will also have a few surprises in store for everyone throughout the evening.
The complimentary Grand banquet at Marché Bonsecours
Inspired by Camilien Houde, le p'tit gars de Sainte-Marie, we will be channeling the former mayor of Montréal's sharing spirit in this history-rich venue. Pea soup, tourtière, pouding chômeur and sweets will be offered to all, indoors and outdoors. First come, first served, while it lasts!
Storytellers will be onsite to share Montréal's holiday traditions through time. Young and old can enjoy music and artistic performances, including a show by Yves Lambert, throughout the day.
New Year's Eve Party at the Jacques-Cartier Quay – simulcast at the Clock Tower Quay and Place Jacques-Cartier
Starting at 6 p.m., the 375th Finale will make its way to the Old Port with Merry Montréal! DJ Sabrina Sabotage will be warming up the crowds as they await the return of Mes Aïeux to the stage. Hosted by Garou, the concert will also feature Daniel Bélanger, Vincent Vallières, Laurence Nerbonne, DJ KXO, Pierre Kwenders and Les Deuxluxes.
Following a spectacular light and sound show, Champion et ses G-Strings will kick off the New Year. For the occasion, the Jacques-Cartier Quay will be turned into a huge illuminated dance floor open to revelers until 2 a.m.
Le Grand décompte, illumination of the Jacques Cartier Bridge and fireworks – simulcast at Jacques-Cartier Quay and Place Jacques-Cartier
The passage to 2018 will be celebrated in grandiose style with a one-of-a-kind illumination of the Jacques Cartier Bridge. Set to a Montréal-style soundtrack, performed live under the musical direction of Gabriel Gratton, this new co-creation from Moment Factory and Atomic3 will end this historic year on a high note.
When the clock strikes twelve, breathtaking fireworks will accompany a brand-new illumination of the bridge to usher in the New Year. Featuring launching points spanning from La Ronde to Pointe-de-l'Île to parc Jean-Drapeau, the public will be treated to a truly spectacular light extravaganza.
Spectators at the Clock Tower Quay can also watch a light show created exclusively for the occasion by lighting designer Yves Aucoin.
Quotes
"We invite everyone who loves Montréal to come share a meal and celebrate the end to this incredible year all together. Whether with family or friends, the 375th anniversary's La Finale will be an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate our city's traditions and dynamism. Together, we will proudly enter this 376th year, more confident than ever in our city's future," said Alain Gignac, General Manager of the Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary.
"After a year of celebrations, Montréal will soon turn the page on its 375th anniversary. This past year has been incredibly exciting and, I hope, has allowed Montrealers to rediscover their city, its history, its traditions and its people. My greatest wish is that its citizens will continue to cultivate this curiosity, take advantage of everything Montréal has to offer and celebrate our beautiful city. On December 31st, we will come together to celebrate the 375th one last time. The day after, I hope we will continue celebrating what unites us: our love for Montréal! 2018 holds so much promise and excitement. I invite Montrealers to join in this new story that we will write together," said Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montréal.
"Five years after its creation, Merry Montréal will be putting on the biggest New Year's Eve Party in Canada! We invite the population to an unforgettable event on December 31st for a memorable and magical evening. Come celebrate in Old Montréal and rediscover one of the city's most beautiful neighbourhoods," said Martin Durocher, Co-Founder and Vice-President, of the Merry Montréal board of directors.
"This major get-together on December 31st will reflect 2017's year of festivities, which celebrated our heritage and Montréal's cultural wealth. Both diverse and unique in character, they provided Montrealers and the people of Québec with the opportunity to strengthen their pride in our great city," said Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupation, Minister of Public Security and Minister responsible for the Montréal region.
An unforgettable day featuring three free components!
Noon to 6 p.m. – Le Banquet populaire – Marché Bonsecours and Saint-Paul Street
The free-of-charge Banquet populaire will feature storytellers, street entertainers (traditional songs and music, circus acts) indoors and outdoors throughout the day.
Noon to 1:45 p.m. – Musique à bouches (traditional music)
2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. – Yves Lambert and his musicians (traditional music)
5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. – Les Poules à Colin (traditional music)
6 p.m. to 2 a.m. – New Year's Eve Party by Merry Montréal – Jacques-Cartier Quay
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – DJ Sabrina Sabotage
9 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. – The New Year's Eve Party by Merry Montréal (simulcast at the Clock Tower Quay and Place Jacques-Cartier via giant screens). Hosted by Garou, with Mes Aïeux, Daniel Bélanger, Vincent Vallières, Laurence Nerbonne, Pierre Kwenders, DJ KXO and Les Deuxluxes.
12:15 a.m. to 2 a.m. – Champion et ses G-Strings
11:45 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. – Le Grand décompte – Giant screens at the Jacques-Cartier Quay and Clock Tower Quay
Brand-new illumination of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge with a Montréal soundtrack performed live. Dazzling fireworks display that features 8 launching points spanning La Ronde to Pointe-de-l'Île to parc Jean-Drapeau (simulcast at Jacques-Cartier Quay and Place Jacques-Cartier)
About Merry Montréal
A non-profit organization created in 2013, Merry Montréal's mission is to offer Montrealers free and festive activities in Montréal during the holiday season.
About the Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary
The Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary is a non-profit organization whose mission is to organize the celebrations and socioeconomic contributions that will highlight Montréal's 375th anniversary in 2017. With a focus on promoting Montréal expertise, it acts as a catalyst for local forces to carry out its mandate: mobilize the community, implement a funding strategy, rigorously manage funding, develop quality programming and ensure the visibility of the celebrations.
The Society benefits from the support of the Ville de Montréal, the Gouvernement du Québec and private funding from 12 Great Montrealers. For more information: www.375mtl.com
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To learn more about the Québec government's contribution to Montréal's 375th anniversary celebrations, click here.
SOURCE Société des célébrations du 375e anniversaire de Montréal
Interviews: Anne Dongois, 514-826-2050, [email protected]; Interviews with artists performing for the New Year's Eve Party by Merry Montréal (available onsite November 28 during the unveiling of Merry Montréal complete programming), Sylvie Savard, Manager - Press Relations, Merry Montréal, 514-995-6658, [email protected]; Information : Isabelle Pelletier, Manager - Press Relations, Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary, 514-238-4178, [email protected]
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