New Brunswickers showed off their red, white, blue and yellow colours as they celebrated National Acadian Day (Fête nationale de l’Acadie) in Moncton.
Residents say the celebrations provide a good opportunity to reflect on how far the community has come.
“For us, it’s a big moment of (pride),” says Eric Mathieu Doucet.
“It’s a moment that we get together and we celebrate our history, our heritage, and where we are today.”
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The Acadian flag was raised outside city hall in Moncton as the Jeunes chanteurs d’Acadie choir group performed the Acadian national anthem.
“It’s a day all Canadians can reflect and see how (strong) we’ve become,” says Victor Arsenault. “We’re still as strong as ever.”
Celebrations and events are being held across the province and beyond.
Ginette Petitpas Taylor, member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, says that looking at all aspects of being Acadian is the real highlight of the day.
“It’s truly important for us as Monctonians to get together and to really celebrate our culture, our history, our language, and also our customs,” she says.
“It’s great to see all Monctonians (and) people from the surrounding areas getting together and celebrating Acadia.”
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Participants say it’s still important to continue to focus on growth.
“We are in a position right now where the community is vibrant, where we are proud of ourselves; the French linguistic rights are at a good place,” says Doucet. “We still have a lot to do for development, but I believe every year we have to get together and celebrate.”