Winners of Le Gala de la Mi-Carême: Left to right: Paula LeBlanc (Best Mi-Carême 2026), Claire Chiasson and Luiza Slayter (Children’s Category). Photo by Diane Bourgeois.
-by Rosie Aucoin-Grace
La Mi-Carême took place in our Acadian region from March 8th – March 14th. According to several sources, loads of photos and videos on social media, this fun tradition is far from fading out. People from near and far, of all walks of life, youngsters and the young at heart, braved the crazy diverse weather throughout the week. It started out with warm temperatures and snow dissipating quickly, turned to sleet and freezing rain, then a powerful thunderstorm including wild winds and flood conditions, and the week ending with snow and blizzard conditions along with a 110 km/hr Suête. Even with Mother Nature hovering with indecisive weather, it did not deter die-hard Mi-Carêmes from participating; just a few bumps in the road, as some liked to say.
It is wonderful to see communities come together and celebrate this ancient custom. Some hosts receive the Mi-Carêmes and watchers at their houses/garages. École NDA, École de musique Raveston Music School, Cantan Culturel, Le Centre de la Mi-Carême, etc. also opened their doors encouraging people to gather for the festivities. This generational tradition offers such a social experience including music, song and dance.
Many hosts were extremely happy with the daily influx of Mi-Carêmes. They expressed their appreciation to all those who came, especially those with well-thought-out costumes and their fun gestures, activities, and themes. One thing that was so encouraging was the number of our youth which seems to be growing annually, a great indication that La Mi-Carême will live on.
On Saturday afternoon, this tradition was buried for yet another year at Le Gala de la Mi-Carême 2026. The ambiance at Le Centre de la Mi-Carême throughout the week and for Le Gala was just perfect as people were surrounded by an entourage of photographs, masks and other Mi-Carême memorabilia. This special place has become a thriving hub in the community especially during this festive week as they offer warm hospitality, nightly entertainment, refreshments, goodies, and a large venue for socializing. It’s a “welcome to all, always room for one more” kind of atmosphere!
Although many were totally exhausted from La Mi-Carême week festivities, it did not dissuade some Mi-Carême lovers from participating. One could feel the excitement as entertainers Gélas Deveaux, Marcella Doucet, and Chester Delaney played for the audience. The music was just what everyone needed to get in the spirit of the event; some clapped, stomped their feet, and some even danced. There were approximately 30 Mi-Carêmes of all shapes and sizes in the Gala. It is always fun to see how creative some of the participants are with their unique and well-prepared costumes, their acts and gestures. The audience played a vital role in this event, and they did an incredible job of participating and voting.
The winners of the 2026 Gala were: Best Mi-Carême 2026 went to Paula LeBlanc, Best Children’s Category: Claire Chiasson and Luiza Slayter. They all received gift bags filled with great prizes.
Société Mi-Carême is a spearhead when it comes to keeping this tradition alive and thriving, as well as sharing this custom worldwide. They are to be commended for their continuous effort in assuring that this ancient Acadian tradition keeps growing and be passed on for generations to come. Special thanks to the volunteers who work relentlessly towards successful festivals and kudos as well to all the participants, for it takes the whole community to celebrate traditions and keep them going for generations to come.
Mary May Richard, Supervisor at Le Centre de la Mi-Carême expressed, “I am very happy with the success of the week. We had lots of watchers and Mi-Carêmes, great musicians entertaining us, the food was delicious, what an incredible week!” She added, “A huge thank you to everyone who participated in one way or another, the musicians that are very much appreciated by all, those who supplied the refreshments and goodies, and l’Acabie who brought seniors over to join us for one night. Special thanks as well, to everyone who supported us by buying tickets on our Acadian mask and money tree. Congratulations to the lucky winner Adele Chiasson.”