August 15th is National Acadian Day
Join us in commemorating the rich heritage and vibrant culture of Acadians and how they are the pioneers and builders of our country. Happy Acadian Day!
A Day of Unity and Celebration
The Significance of Acadian Day
National Acadian Day is a day of deep significance for the Acadian people, especially in New Brunswick. This day is not just a celebration of vibrant culture and enduring family values, but also a time to reflect on the resilience and strong community ties that have defined the Acadian experience. Let’s explore the history of this special day, the meaningful relationships between the Acadians and Indigenous peoples, and how families in New Brunswick can honor and celebrate this rich heritage.
Let’s Celebrate A Happy Acadian Day Together!
I will be in downtown Moncton for most of the day. Come celebrate Acadian day with me at the Tintamarre Pre-Party at 12:00pm at City Hall. The parade starts at 5:00pm and the flag raising is at 5:15pm. Then we march and arrive around 6:30pm at the Aberdeen Centre.
A Happy Acadian Day - Many Ways
Explore Local History and Culture
Visit museums, historical sites, and cultural centers to learn about New Brunswick’s rich heritage and diverse cultures.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities
Spend the day hiking, picnicking, or visiting beaches to appreciate the province’s stunning natural landscapes.
Attend Local Festivals and Events
Join community events featuring live music, dance performances, and local cuisine to immerse yourself in the festivities.
A Few Local Events and Festivals
Check out the following activities in Moncton, Dieppe, and Memramcook. Visit Tourism New Brunswick’s website for a full list of activities throughout the province to make sure you can get in on the festivities no matter where you are in our province.
Acadie-Rock
Live music and artistic performances at the Aberdeen Cultural Centre
Dieppe Concert
Family fun activities, live music, and food a variety of vendors.
Le Quinzou
National Acadian Day at the Monument-Lefebvre in Memramcook
420 Years of Acadian History (1604-2024)
The Acadians are descendants of French settlers who arrived in the Maritime provinces, including New Brunswick, in the early 1600s. They established tight-knit communities, cultivating a unique culture that blended French traditions with their new environment. These communities were characterized by strong family bonds and a deep sense of community.
However, the Acadian story also includes significant hardship. In 1755, during a period known as the Great Upheaval (Le Grand Dérangement), thousands of Acadians were forcibly removed from their homes by the British. This tragic event led to the scattering of the Acadian people to distant lands, including the American colonies, France, and the Caribbean. Families were torn apart, and many suffered greatly during this forced displacement. Despite these challenges, the Acadians showed remarkable resilience.
They eventually returned to New Brunswick and other parts of the Maritimes, where they rebuilt their communities and preserved their language, culture, and traditions. National Acadian Day was established during the first National Acadian Convention in 1881, in Memramcook, New Brunswick. The date, August 15th, coincides with the feast day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of the Acadians. This day is a celebration of survival, community, and the enduring spirit of the Acadian people.
A significant and often under-appreciated aspect of Acadian history is the positive and cooperative relationships the Acadians had with Indigenous peoples, particularly the Mi’kmaq. When the Acadians first arrived in New Brunswick, they encountered the Mi’kmaq people, who were the region’s original inhabitants. The Acadians and Mi’kmaq established strong alliances and friendships based on mutual respect and cooperation.