-by Rosie Aucoin-Grace
La Mi-Carême is just around the corner in our county, and many are getting ready for this annual Acadian tradition which will take place this year from March 23rd to March 29th.
For those of you not familiar with this term, La Mi-Carême literally means the middle of Lent – the third Thursday of the 40 days of fasting and penance for Easter. It is an ancient tradition developed in France to give everyone an opportunity to celebrate and escape his or her Lenten duties. This celebration remains a vibrant living tradition in several Acadian regions of Eastern Canada. In our county, Chéticamp, Saint-Joseph-du-Moine, and Grand-Étang, in Fatima on the Magdalen Islands, and in Natashquan and Pointe-Parent in Quebec’s Côte Nord region, the annual mid-Lent outing is a rich tradition that has survived since the arrival of the first settlers. On Prince Edward Island, in the Tignish and Palmer Road parishes, a number of families have kept alive another tradition: the annual visit of the mysterious Mi-Carême, a mythical (female) figure who brings sweets to well-behaved children. These communities have maintained traditions of French origin, formerly known throughout Acadia as well as in several regions of the Province of Quebec.
During Mi-Carême week, the people, who participate alone or in small groups, disguise themselves and go from house to house to visit family and friends. It is the job of the Mi-Carêmes to change their voices and mannerisms to mystify their hosts, and it is the task of the householders to guess the identities under the masks and costumes. The success and pleasure are that much greater when the Mi-Carêmes succeed in chattering, dancing, and making gestures without being recognized by their close relatives and friends. The guessing game involves music, food, and plenty of amusement.
Imagine, for centuries, our Acadian region in northern Cape Breton has successfully kept La Mi-Carême alive and vibrant. During the time of our ancestors, they celebrated this special tradition with a one-day break to relieve people of the sacrifices of Lent, and now the people of this area run La Mi-Carême and have it last for an entire week! It is not uncommon for people in this region and some of our people who are away to schedule their vacation during this week, so as not to miss a moment of this festive week. Numerous houses are prepared and open while the owners wait in anticipation for the visit of the Mi-Carêmes on a daily basis – morning, noon and night. It is wonderful to see such excitement during a time of the year when the community is somewhat dormant and becomes alive and thriving. The entire community gets involved – organizations and businesses host activities during the week, which revolve around this special tradition.
Everyone is welcome to take part in all the festivities throughout the communities during the week. You are bound to see live music, savour Acadian traditional dishes, goodies, tons of laughing, and more.
Amusez-vous bien et Bonne Semaine de Mi-Carême à tous!