Not unlike Quebec Carnival, this year’s Winterlude in the nation’s capital has been reinvented to follow public health requirements relating to the pandemic. Nevertheless, Canadians across the country are invited to celebrate the season with unique virtual experiences at the popular Ottawa fest, starting Friday.
The 43rd annual Winterlude (it started in 1979), which runs through Feb. 21, kicks off Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. with an opening gala that features Ariane Moffatt, Alexandre Tétrault, the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Corneille, Faouzia, Ria Mae, Masson Stomp, Tracy Trash, William Prince, and figure skater Elladj Baldé.
Among this year’s activities will be the first-ever virtual Winterlude National Ice-Carving Competition, in which viewers are invited to vote on their favourite creations from Canadian professional ice sculptors who will present their work simultaneously in Yellowknife, Banff/Lake Louise, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Gatineau, Québec City and Halifax. Each of them had 28 hours to transform 8 blocks of ice into an artwork on the theme of the joys of winter.
Additionally, program partners, ranging from The Juno Awards, Festival du Voyageur, National Arts Centre, Canadian Museum of History, Parks Canada, Library and Archives Canada, Capital Pride, and the City of Gatineau are just a few that have put together a wide range of things to listen to, watch and do via the Winterlude web site.
Additional exclusive activities can also be found on the Winterlude app, including playlists, podcasts, masterclasses, do-it-yourself workshops, and more. There will even be virtual fireworks.
Meanwhile, kids and adults alike can experience The Ice Hog Adventure and become characters in a virtual storybook featuring the warm and fuzzy Winterlude mascots.
“As we go through this unprecedented time together, sharing our positive experiences is more important than ever,” says Canadian Heritage minister Steven Guilbeault. “Winterlude brings a touch of summer warmth into the heart of the Canadian winter. Throughout Canada, let’s celebrate the cultural and artistic diversity that are our country’s greatest assets – whether we’re playing outside or keeping warm indoors with virtual activities…”
All the details can be found HERE.