A colourful group of Mi-Caremes on the first night of Mi-Careme 2025!
-by Rosie Aucoin-Grace
My recent article revolved around how this week marks a very special time in the francophone region of our county, as many participate in one of the oldest Acadian traditions – La Mi-Carême.
It is simply amazing how the Acadian region of Northern Cape Breton has successfully kept this tradition, which has become an annual week-long event, alive for centuries! Alone or in small groups, people disguise themselves and go from house to house to visit family and friends. It is the job of the Mi-Carêmes to change their voice and mannerism so as to mystify their hosts, and it is the task of the householders or watchers as we call them, to guess the identity under the masks and costumes. The guessing game involves music, food and plenty of amusement.
This year, La Mi-Carême is being celebrated from March 23rd–29th and the reappearance of winter on Sunday evening did not deter the die-hard Mi-Carême lovers.
To kick off the festivities, it all started on Sunday evening with Fêtons la Mi-Carême at Le Centre de généalogie at Les Trois Pignons, featuring a CKJM Radio live broadcast with emcees Charles D. Roach and Marie Stella Doucet. Mi-Carêmes dropped in and participated in this fun festivity. Le Centre de la Mi-Carême in Grand-Étang was also a great place to begin Mi-Carême week, as well as some homes that opened their doors in anticipation for their costumed friends.
During this festival week, there are about a dozen houses/hosts that are participating and also The Green Door, Le Centre de la Mi-Carême, Les Trois Pignons, École NDA, Canton Culturel, École de musique Raveston, AMAC, and more. The whole community seems to magically come together to celebrate this special tradition!
Le Centre de la Mi-Carême will be no doubt be the place to drop by nightly during the entire week. Watchers and Mi-Carêmes are welcome! There will be free Acadian meals, goodies, great local entertainment nightly and loads of fun. On Sunday afternoon, just when we think it is all over for another season, watchers and Mi-Carêmes have the opportunity to kick up their heels while burying this tradition for yet another year at Le Gala de la Mi-Carême.
People from near and far gather at this time of year, even some Acadians from Waltham and other areas. It is so exciting to see families and friends reunited this way and enjoying this custom to the fullest.
This tradition no doubt mystifies and amazes people from outside our region. Where else but in our small Acadian communities, would anyone fathom the idea of letting masked people into their homes? Where else would such a tradition be celebrated for centuries and see no end in sight? So why not pay a visit to the Acadian part of our county and join in the fun where there is always room for one more and all are welcome!
Bonne Semaine de la Mi-Carême à tous!
Enjoyez-vous! Rions…dansons…chantons…