Photo courtesy of 375MTL Facebook page

With less than a year until Montrealers roll out the red carpet for the city’s 375^th anniversary celebration, details are beginning to emerge about some of the large-scale festivities planned for the coming year.

“We are on the eve of a truly extraordinary time for Montréal,” said Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montréal. “The rich and varied programming presented by Montréal’s 375th celebrations will showcase the city’s creativity, history, culture, joie de vivre, beauty and vitality. Each and every Montrealer can be proud of this major celebration, which will welcome visitors from around the world,” said Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montréal.

The city’s year-long celebrations are being unified under the central theme “Building bridges,” in tandem with the city’s $39.5-million plan to illuminate the Jacques Cartier Bridge. Additionally, four major themes, “Montréal lights up,” “Montréal gets moving,” “Montréal ignites” and “Montréal reinvents” will highlight the city’s history, culture, arts, sports, technology and gastronomy.

“The programming was designed to bring people together and showcase the city’s dynamism through, among others, cultural, gastronomic and sports activities,” said Gilbert Rozon, Commissioner for Celebrations for Montréal’s 375th anniversary. “We will highlight Canada’s 150th with the illumination of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the 50th anniversary of Expo 67 with a number of projects, including welcoming 50 chefs from different countries and provinces. There will be activities for all tastes, for 375 days straight.”

Major Programs

Winter Diversions: Winter is a time to chill in Montréal, and in 2017, sporting activities take the spotlight for four weekends in February. Activities are being planned to engage locals as well as experienced sports aficionados to get everyone outside and moving.

MONTRéAL EN LUMIèRE: During the winter months, Montréal will also roll out a deluxe version of its premier MONTRéAL EN LUMIèRE winter festival, with guest appearances by artisans and chefs from the city of Lyon.

Spotlight on the Neighbourhoods: The highlight of the year-long celebration could well be the “Spotlight on Neighbourhoods,” a 19-week celebration, during which every one of Montréal’s 19 boroughs will host its own neighbourhood celebraton.

“Part of Montréal’s incredible vibrancy comes from the rich life in its neighbourhoods and the people who are proud to call them home,” said Mayor Coderre. “We want the city’s neighbourhoods to play a big role in its 375th anniversary celebrations, with a special focus on the people who live and work there and contribute to their energy and vitality.”

“Montréal’s 375th anniversary celebrations are an opportunity to showcase the cultural vibrancy that is part of the city’s DNA,” said Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy and Minister responsible for the Montréal region. “The original projects that will be carried out in the city’s neighbourhoods in summer 2017 will pay tribute to the talents of our citizens, artists, artisans and creators.”

Every weekend, a park or public spaces in the designated borough will host a representative activity. The summer-long schedule of activities includes:

Cirque éloize: A throwback to the days of great neighborhood carnivals, amateur performers from each neighbourhood perform alongside Cirque éloize artists.

McCord Museum: A travelling exhibition specifically designed to recount the stories of the people that helped build Montréal will be on display at McCord Museum.

Great Neighbourhood Mixers: Local merchants come together to prepare outdoor feasts in the heart of the city. Participants can eat, drink and dance with friends, neighbours and visitors. 

Foodie Tours: Explore the gourmet food businesses throughout Montreal with specifically designed epicurean tours in each neighborhood.

Neighbourhood Treasure Hunts: Each borough will host two treasure hunts (one for adults, one for kids) where participants can explore the history and culture behind each of the city’s neighbourhoods.

Talking Windows: Residents loan their windows, doors, stairways and balconies to local artists, who use them to exhibit works of art. One street in every borough will feature these “talking windows.”

For more information, visit www.375mtl.com.

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