Festival du Bois is back next weekend as BC’s biggest celebration of francophone culture

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      Festival du Bois, the largest celebration of francophone music and culture in BC, is back next weekend from March 24 to 26. Taking place at Mackin Park in Maillardville, a Coquitlam neighbourhood with French Canadian history, the longstanding annual festival marks its 34th year. 

      There are activities for all ages: informative exhibitions about the area’s rich Métis roots, food trucks selling fare like poutine and tourtière (a meat pie dish originating in Québéc), and unique vendors to peruse. But the main event is, without a doubt, the live music. 

      Festival du Bois presents an exciting lineup of performances from Québécois, francophone, and roots music artists hailing from across BC, Manitoba, Québéc, and more. The opening night features a performance of traditional contra dance—a form of folk dance—from the Sybaritic String Band, with caller Sherry Nevins. Then, a double bill of La Famille Léger and Podorythmie.

      Some of the many highlights from across the rest of the weekend include the traditional Québécois sounds of Les Grands Hurleurs; Senegalese soul rocker and master percussionist Élage Diouf; Northeastern Brazilian dance group Forró do Cana; BC’s own Métis Jiggers; Québécois trio, Genticorumand the Maillardville-based francophone choir, Les Échos du Pacifique, which celebrates its 50th anniversary. 

      Tickets to the Festival du Bois are available online now. 

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