Festivals in Canadian Cities - Essay Example

?Introduction The use of festivities in a given setting is used for several purposes. The most common application that is a part of the festivities is to celebrate culture, religion or an expression of a specific identity. There are also festivities which are approached for economic stimulation and to change specific viewpoints. There are several unique festivities in Canada, all which have specific applications to the cultural, social and political background of the country. Defining both the old and new festivals as well as how they relate to the formation of the country also creates an understanding of how the festivities relate to other aspects of the changes in the country. It can be seen that there is a specific agenda related to Canadian culture when looking at the festivities practiced. Background of Festivals in Canada The festivities that are in Canada are divided by specific observances for various occasions. The first way in which this is divided is by the rituals that have been observed by indigenous cultures that are in Canada. While this isn’t observed nationally and practiced by the majorities, there are still groups that observe seasonal festivities and religious festivals for different needs within the community. The festivals in Canada began to grow and change with the immigration that occurred throughout the 1700s and which formed present day Canada. The religious and cultural festivals of France began to be observed in the land. Religious processions, such as Christmas, were added in as observations from the church and other components which related directly to the religious beliefs of those that came to Canada. As the population grew into a more diverse set of groups, were also changes in religious festivals and observations, all which were based on the cultural and religious beliefs that were practiced by different groups (Riendeau, 60). The religious festivals that grew into the mainstream of Canadian culture were followed by ethnic and cultural identities that became a part of the different social aspects of society. These began to grow specifically after World War II when a large influx of immigrants moved to Europe. This was followed by statements in politics which created a belief that Canada accepted equal rights among all ethnicities. When this was proposed, a growth in ethnic and cultural festivals became a part of Canada. This was followed by different reasons for having festivals. Economic stimulation is one of the main reasons why the festivities began to grow in Canada. For instance, holidays such as Valentines Day are observed not only as an expression of love but also as a time for gift giving in Canada and to provide stimulation to the economy. Folklore is combined with this as a part of the ethnic spectacle to create a defined part of the holidays. Self – definition of immigrants is followed with this as well as ethnicities having the desire to educate others about a specific culture or tradition. Another reason is to have forms of entertainment available for those who are interested in performances and celebration within the community (Bramadat, 3). Carnival de Quebec The Carnival de Quebec is one of the largest events held in Canada and is celebrated each year to bring in the winter. The festival lasts for 17 days and is the third largest festival in the world. The carnival began hundreds of years ago in Europe to welcome in the spring and to allow farmers to have a chance to pray that the animals would remain healthy as the seasons changed. The main concept with the festival was related to the idea of change of seasons, years and of the main occurrences throughout society. The French association with this was passed through not only with the Carnival de Quebec, but also is related to the Mardi Gras that is celebrated in New Orleans every year. The association with bringing in a different season remains the main component that is celebrated throughout each region (Morales, 13). The traditions that are a part of the Carnival de Quebec are designed with individuals going out in the cold and snow to celebrate. Ice skating rinks, winter celebrations, snow sculptures and lanterns made out of ice are some of the common features that are a part of the carnival. The main festival is one that has not only gained prestige as a snow festival, but also has turned into a cross – cultural exhibit that focuses on the multiculturalism throughout Canada. The festival and the events held are known to interchange between the expressions of cultures to welcome in the festival and to create themes that are well – known among the various cultures. The all inclusive spirit of the festivities is one that has allowed this particular celebration to be widely celebrated throughout Canada and to become a motivation for almost every ethnic group throughout Canada (Dewar et al, 523). Even though this festival is designated as one that is all inclusive in celebrating the coming of winter and multiculturalism, there are several portrayals that have led to a different belief of the festival. The concept of multiculturalism is the first concept. Among Canadians, this is one of the areas of pride that the country has developed, specifically in the more recent years. The idea of having a multicultural festival is then able to favor those that are in the community and to create a response from society that provides a different insight into what is occurring. Politically, there is the ability to continue to promote the ideas of multiculturalism that drive the country forward and which allows Canada to have a specific relationship to the Canadian pride that is a part of the recent history. More important, it allows the policies and the political agendas to be socially accepted and practiced with the festivity and the celebrations in both preparation and the event. As specific types of ethnic cultures can be presented, there is the ability to create a common sense of pride that builds on the national culture of Canada (Abbott, 167). The close political association with the Carnival de Quebec has also led to historical events that are a part of the continuous association with the festival. As this specific carnival has led to a close social association with representation and voices of the multiculturalism of the country, there is also a specific representation that continues to grow. In 2001, this became significant as many in the cultures and social standings protested specifically during the Carnival de Quebec. The protest was related to equal and just rights among the government and was based around both political awareness and political change. The combination with the winter festival was the designated time because of the ability to create a different voice during this time. The capability to gather attention was also one which provided more input as there were many who were going outside of their homes to celebrate. The Carnival de Quebec became one that was not only representative of the main multiculturalism, but also was a space in which individuals could begin to raise their voices about the political changes which were desired in Canada. From this perspective, the social association with the winter festival is one related not only to bringing in the winter solstice, but also is one which has deeper political affiliations (Picard, Robinson, 61). The political voice as well as the multicultural concepts that are associated with the festival is only two of the perspectives associated with this particular festival. There is also a relationship to the economic prosperity which occurs during this season. The festival began to rise in Quebec in 1894 and in surrounding regions throughout 1883. The organizers that were putting the event together were also interested in growing businesses and the economy, specifically as Canada moved into the industrial age. The slower winter season led to an emphasis of placing the event for 17 days and during the middle of winter, as opposed to the original time period, specifically to stimulate the economy at this time. Making the connection between Easter, Lent and Christmas was also associated in order to tie individuals into religious concepts that could be closely associated with gaining enthusiasm for the celebration. The changes included economic stimulation by providing the social groups with different invitations to celebrate in a way that they could relate to. This was combined with the social attraction to the festivals of lights as well as the traditional association with religion as a symbol. Several of the older festivals had begun to disappear before the 1800s, making this a revitalization of several of the festivities. From this, social changes that were associated with the economy were able to move into transformation (Abbott, 7). Festival of Northern Lights A second festival which is well known throughout Canada and which shows several representations of society is the Festival of Northern Lights. The festival surrounds Christmas and is a display of Christmas lights that are throughout the city of Ontario. The lights run from mid – November and until January each year. This is followed with performances, music, artwork and celebrations for the coming of Christmas and the overall season. While this particular festival is celebrated specifically in Ontario, there are several other regions that have begun to recognize the festival of lights while portraying different versions of this concept during the Christmas season, making it a tradition throughout Canada (Auch, 4). The Northern Lights festival is one which specifically surrounds the winter solstice and Christmas season, a time when many are interested in celebration and festivities. The ideal is one which is also presented often to tourists who are going to Quebec. This particular presentation is one which has been highlighted specifically because of the social and cultural associations with Canada in the winter time and the Christmas season. The representation of winter in Canada is one which is closely associated with Christmas because of the snow and the overall atmosphere. Adding in the Festival of the Northern Lights is able to create a different set of ideals that attracts tourists and creates a different type of economic push in driving individuals into the country. By presenting this as a part of the best of Canada, there is the ability to attract individuals to the country that are taking a vacation for Christmas or to present a different context to those who live in Canada and are interested in a different context during this time (Wiley, 14). The concept of stimulating the economy and tourism in Canada with the Festival of Northern Lights is one which is further enhanced by the social associations with the festivities. The surrounding of this time period also has moved into adding in myths and social ideas about this time of year. For instance, an old myth is known when there are some traveling through Canada and get caught in a blizzard while they are heading north. When they get caught, the road is too dark and they are never found again. These then add in a social stigma that creates the idea of the northern lights as one that moves outside of the religious context and into the social standing of Canada, specifically which relates to the harsh winters that are in the northern territories. The idea of lighting the path for those who are traveling becomes a part of the myth and history and is passed through with those in society to continue supporting the festival and the different associations that are a part of creating the celebration (Grace, 192). The idea of lighting the way for those who are heading north during this time is then followed with creating a sense of social pride among those that are in Canada. While the religious context is partly a part of the festivities, there is an association that is outside of this and which relates to other ethnicities and cultures. The social standpoint is one which is able to accept the melting pot idea that is central to each individual who is heading north in Canada and which may get caught in a blizzard. By relating to the conditions of Canada and building a social viewpoint of community, there is the ability to create support with the central festival and to show a specific sense of diversity that supports the Festival of Northern Lights. As this social stigma is created, there is the ability to make more out of the festival, including special concerts, events, artwork and a time for individuals to show their expression with the festival of northern lights. The main concept is to create a sense of pride in society, which then is able to support more in the activities during this time. The political, social and economic affiliations are all then supported by the festivities (Hughes, 2). Folklorama Folklorama is another festival that is renowned throughout Canada. This particular festival is in Winnipeg every year and began in 1970s. The festival began by lasting for one week and including several bands and pavilions brought together to celebrate the diversity of Canada through folklore. Since this time, the festival has extended into a two week celebration with over 425,000 pavilions that are shown throughout the festivities. The agenda that has been defined is to celebrate diversity and to promote social understanding among those in Canada. This is done with performances by dancers and bands and is further promoted with storytelling and talent that shows the background and main identity of those who are a part of Canada but belong to a rich sense of diversity within the region. This has led into several voting for the event as being one of the top festivals in Canada (Folklorama, 1). The concept that the Folklorama festival thrives on is creating a sense of cultural identity that is a part of Canada. This begins with the Canadian identity that relates back to the 1930s when it was claimed that Canada was a melting pot and celebrated diversity. The term of multiculturalism was coined in Canada first, which creates a sense of national pride among those in the nation. It is from this that each individual has grown into a level of pride with the different cultures in which they belong to while celebrating other ethnic identities in the region. The cultures that are represented and which continue to be prominent in the festival have created a sense of cultural spectacle throughout the nation, specifically because of the way in which the performances and folklore is presented to those that are interested in the diversity of Canada. The identity becomes a part of the object, or the culture in which a spectator views to create an identity which belongs to a specific category (Bramadat, 2). The folklore which is presented also links directly to the concept of the making of a liberal governance and changing the identity within Canada. According to Pierre Trudeau, the political leader who coined the term of multiculturalism, the ability to celebrate diversity is what creates a liberal government. When different perspectives and viewpoints can be recognized, there is the ability to build a unique understanding of society and the way in which individuals function. Furthermore, there is the ability to exchange the similarities and differences between identity. This becomes a political tactic that is used to help citizens build a national identity and to create a sense of belonging to Canada while having a sense of difference that is among the individuals. According to Trudeau, this is a Third Force that is able to provide more liberal and open viewpoints in the government. The government support for the multicultural event then becomes one which provides monetary support and which is focused on helping the growth of the Folklorama to represent not only diversity, but also a sense of having a national identity that is liberal in nature (Fielding, 17). The political agenda for a liberal government is not only met by embracing the diversity. The cultural spectacle is one which grows into different assumptions and labels when presenting a festival that is about embracing diversity. When reviewing the different pavilions as either a native of Canada or a tourist, one gathers a sense of the multiculturalism that is embraced in the nation. The result is the understanding that Canada is diverse because of the vast amount of pavilions and entertainment available. More important, this takes the sense of private life and creates it as a spectacle. As this is done, those who are viewing the pavilions create a sense that Canada can be migrated to, is readily available to accept diversity and allows the public space to work as a reflection of the private life and the concept of culture being an invitation into the individual area in which people live (Manai, 2). When this is associated with the government, there is the belief that the government has taken steps to liberate and invite diversity. This is not only done as a cultural spectacle for the event, but is based on immigration, settling in a new country and taking out the marginalized features of ethnic groups. While this is the impression given with the cultural spectacle created, the Folklorama Festival is providing an alternative understanding as well. The cultures are all marginalized by creating a spectacle of being different than other groups. As this is done, there is a different belief about the national identity and embracing of cultures in the region (Bramadat, 211). Reflection When looking at the three festivals of Canada, as well as the evolution that has occurred through time, it can be seen that each of the festivals is a reflection of what the areas and the society wants to represent about the nation. The original context is one which is associated with religious beliefs, changes in time and with events that should be marked by a specific aspect throughout history. When looking at this aspect of the festivity, it can be seen that those in society and politics were looking for a way to express and voice the unique aspects of their society and to create a sense of pride. From the Carnival de Quebec to the Folklorama, is an underlying sense of having pride in the festivals and showing the celebratory nature by participating in different events. The structure of society is one that is developed specifically with the festivals to create this pride while leaving the original meanings as secondary. The different concepts that were associated with the festivals in Canada are also known to create a sense of social expression as a type of cultural tourism. This is presented when a group in society tries to expand on the pride and to develop different ideas specifically to associate with the nature of the original festival. The cultural tourism leaves the initial understanding that is a part of society. Instead, there is a creation of myths, ideas and an overall presentation of what should be embraced as a part of the society (Richards, 257). Many do this as a way to create a sense of appeal or attractiveness to the society and the many ideas that are embraced. By doing this, there is the ability to create a stronger sense of pride among those in the nation and to show a different type of development that is a part of the culture. As the festivities occurs, the main idea changes from one that is originally based in religion, myth or political associations and becomes one which is based on creating a spectacle out of the culture and to gather a sense of attention about the main festivity. There are several examples that show how each of the festivals is a type of spectacle in society and is used to create a sense of appeal to society. The spectacle is one which is highlighted by the way in which the associations with the festival are created as well as how it is related to the mainstream society over a period of time (Debord, Knabb, 6). This begins with trying to represent the festival, then moving into the representation of pride. The spectacle with the Carnival de Quebec, for instance, is one which has transformed from the Winter Solstice and religious beliefs to being a representation of diversity. The social viewpoint is one which has expanded on getting more participation and which wants to show and attract individuals to the spectacle of multiculturalism that is the pride of Canada. When looking at pictures and other representations of other holidays, such as Folklorama, the same spectacle can be seen. Fireworks, painting faces, looking at the cultural pride with entertainment and celebrations, all become a spectacle to outside viewers. The amount of tourism during these times as well as the advertised events that are noted by journalists and tourists show that this has become an attraction, as opposed to being a main event to show the sincerity of each of the times, either religiously or symbolically. Another concept which is closely associated with all the festivals is based on the political surroundings that are created. This is also referred to as place identity and is used to create a strong national identity that is related to the festivals and to how society responds (Jeong, Almeida, 640). When looking at each of these specific festivals, it can be seen that there is an association with politics that is also used as a spectacle. The place identity is one which is associated with the Folklorama by making each individual thrive on the concept of being patriotic while belonging to a different culture, which shows the unity and diversity of Canada. The Festival of Lights in Quebec has the same reference by taking a sense of place identity from the brutality of the weather and lighting the way for travelers. These references are used to show place and to create identity from this. However, for the place identity to be created there was a direct reference to the political arenas. Announcements by political leaders, guidance on how to celebrate and stating what the holidays should be about is closely associated with each of the festivals. More important, society has created a sense of cultural politics. For instance, the protests with the Carinval de Quebec created a sense of politics by showing that a different voice for political voices should be heard. This is now a central association with the festival that is beyond the main event and instead takes place with the politics of the nation. The festivals become a way to use specific political agendas that either unite or divide those in society with the main controversies that are occurring during the time. Another important factor that is observed in all of the festivals is with the economics of each event. If the economics didn’t provide a substantial return, then there is a question of whether it would continue to be celebrated. The festivals are known to be supported by tourists and locals over a period of time, which allows organizations and political leaders to continue to distribute to the displays created (Yeoman, Robertson, 246). The question which arises is whether the festivals would continue if the social viewpoint and the political agendas didn’t drive forward the festivals and create economic stimulation. The need to have music, art, fireworks, displays of ice lanterns and other spectacles becomes necessary. This not only is done for spectacle but also is done to drive forward the economy in society and to change the pace of the normal products which are bought and sold. The festivals don’t become one that is based on the basic agenda of celebrating time, religion or pride, but instead become one of celebrating with something new and different through events or products. Conclusion The celebration of festivities throughout Canada is one which has changed throughout time. The original concepts of the festivities were based on ritual, religion and the ability to celebrate change. This was compounded with political and religious agendas that were associated with the festivals. The current changes have led to alterations in pride, social viewpoints and the political agendas which surround this. When looking at some of the festivities, it can be seen that there are defined parts that are celebrated specifically because of the social understanding of Canada and the political surroundings that are a part of the Canadian culture. Works Cited Abbott, Frank. “The Quebec Winter Carnival of 1894: The Transformation of the City and the Festival of the Nineteenth Century.” UBC: 1982. Abbott, Frank. “Cold Cash and Ice Palaces: The Quebec Winter Carnival.” Canadian Historical Review 69 (2), 1988. Auch, Alison. Welcome to Canada. Compass Point Books: Minnesota, 2003. 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