Acadian Festival in Caraquet

Celebrate Acadian Culture in the Heart of Atlantic Canada
🎉 Discover the Acadian Festival in Caraquet: A Celebration of Culture, Colour, and Community

Experience the Spirit of Acadia in Full Colour and Celebration

Every summer in mid-August, the coastal town of Caraquet, New Brunswick bursts into colour, sound, and celebration during the Festival acadien de Caraquet — the largest and most vibrant Acadian festival in Canada. This unforgettable event showcases the pride, resilience, and creativity of the Acadian people, attracting thousands of visitors from across the country and beyond.

Whether you’re drawn by the lively music, authentic Acadian cuisine, or the warmth of community celebrations, the festival offers a powerful, immersive cultural experience right on the shores of Chaleur Bay.

What is the Festival acadien de Caraquet?

The Festival acadien de Caraquet is a multi-day cultural celebration held annually in Caraquet, a historic town considered the cultural capital of Acadia. The event honours the Acadian heritage of the region through music, dance, parades, storytelling, traditional costumes, and culinary traditions.

Originating in the 1960s as a grassroots effort to preserve Acadian identity, the festival has since grown into a nationally recognized event that celebrates both tradition and modern Acadian life.

🕺 Traditional Dancers, Parades & Acadian Pride

A highlight of the festival is witnessing dancers in traditional Acadian attire performing to the rhythm of folk music, waving the unmistakable Acadian flag — a striking mix of blue, white, and red, crowned with a golden star. These performances are more than just entertainment — they are a living expression of cultural resilience, joy, and identity.

From intimate performances in town squares to large-scale parades, every moment tells a story of a people who have preserved their heritage for generations.

Don’t miss the Grand Tintamarre, a joyful, noisy parade where thousands make as much sound as possible to show their Acadian pride. It’s loud, lively, family-friendly — and truly unforgettable.

The Grand Tintamarre is the highlight of National Acadian Day (August 15), where thousands of Acadians take to the streets with pots, pans, horns, and flags—creating joyful noise to express their vibrant identity. Originating in Caraquet, New Brunswick, this unique parade is not just a festival; it’s a living tradition that echoes Acadian resilience, unity, and joy. Participants of all ages wear red, white, blue, and gold, and proudly march through town in a wave of sound and celebration. It’s a must-see cultural spectacle that stirs the heart and lifts the spirit.

🍽️ Taste of Acadia: Local Flavours You’ll Love

Of course, no Acadian celebration is complete without authentic cuisine. The festival is the perfect place to try traditional Acadian dishes like fricot (a hearty chicken stew), poutine râpée, and fresh local seafood. With food stalls, pop-up vendors, and community meals, it’s a flavourful introduction to Acadian hospitality.

🌊 Coastal Charm Meets Cultural Richness

Beyond the festival atmosphere, Caraquet offers coastal beauty, warm hospitality, and a deep sense of history. Located along the Chaleur Bay, this picturesque town invites you to explore sandy beaches, visit the Village Historique Acadien, and take in scenic sunset views from the waterfront boardwalk.

Chaleur Bay, nestled between northern New Brunswick and Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula, is known for its warm waters, golden beaches, and stunning coastal vistas. Designated one of the world’s most beautiful bays, it offers unforgettable sunsets, charming Acadian villages, and abundant opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and birdwatching. Whether you’re strolling along its scenic shores or exploring nearby nature trails, Chaleur Bay promises tranquility and maritime charm.

Whether you’re here for the culture, the cuisine, or the community celebration, the Acadian Festival in Caraquet promises a one-of-a-kind Atlantic Canada experience.

Caraquet, located on the northeastern coast of New Brunswick, is the cultural capital of Acadian heritage. With its vibrant festivals, colorful seaside houses, and rich maritime traditions, this small town comes alive especially in August during the Acadian Festival and the Grand Tintamarre. Walk along its scenic boardwalks, visit the Village Historique Acadien, and enjoy fresh seafood with views of the Chaleur Bay. Caraquet offers a perfect blend of history, community, and coastal beauty.

📍 Plan Your Visit

When: Mid-August every year
Where: Caraquet, New Brunswick
Why: Culture, music, food, family fun, and Acadian pride — all wrapped in one unforgettable festival.

Come for the music. Stay for the culture. Feel the pride.

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First Photo by New Brunswick Tourism
First Location: Caraquet

Second Photo by New Brunswick Tourism
Second Location: Plage Aboiteau Beach

Third Photo by New Brunswick Tourism
Third Photo: Food: Fricot