RRRrrrrRRR! Mi-Carême!Mi-Carême! The traditional cry when entering.
The school has several activities leading up to the celebration. In this case, a traditional mask making workshop.
Avila Leblanc was a well respected storyteller, fiddler and oral historian. It is actually an art grant in his name that financed this project.
Emma and Maria help and hinder their father and grandfather as they put down cardboard to protect the floors. 200 or 300 people will visit during the night.
Mi-CarĂŞmes of all ages will drop by to visit old friends and family.
Some people have left the islands for many years and are welcomed with joy on their return.
Theatrics is as much a part of the tradition as music. Hosts are ever wary of what might pop out of a treasure chest.
In this case, a mermaid and gold bars for the children.
A defining part of the evenings are the children’s amazement at the music and improvisation. Although many costumes are grotesque, kids treat them as bonhommes (cartoons).
Some Mi-CarĂŞmes will only briefly show their eyes, as it can be an easy giveaway.
Traditional music is well preserved by this celebration. Musicians are rewarded with home-made bagosse afterwards.
On the first night of la Mi-CarĂŞme, children will visit houses before the real party begins.
A little boy tries to guess who is behind the mask. His hint is that they play hockey together.
The best surprise is to visit family.
It is rare to fool some of the best hosts for long.
Maria looks on as her mother entertains and offers treats to Mi-CarĂŞmes. At her age, her mother would be perched in that same staircase.
A Mi-CarĂŞme unmasks himself, tricking his father-in-law for the third time that evening. He would slip out the backdoor to throw on a costume any chance he would get.