Canada's insider blog

Rev up the usual noise and hoopla of a parade and you’ve got a Tintamarre, meaning “din” or “clangour” in Acadian French. Rooted in mid-20th century celebrations of Acadian pride, Tintamarres were formed when people grabbed whistles, bells, drums, and horns to parade loudly through the streets, sometimes accompanied by local church bells. Tintamarres are still held throughout Eastern Canada, typically around National Acadian Day on Aug. 15. Here’s where to grab a noisemaker (or your ear plugs) and join the fun.

Attracting tens of thousands from around North America, the annual Tintamarre in Caraquet, New Brunswick has achieved something close to Mardi Gras status. Parade-goers paint their faces, dress up in period costumes and drape themselves in the Acadian flag, all while marching to the raucous beat of everything from squealing sirens to crashing pot lids.

At the Festival Acadien de Clare, July 30 to Aug. 15 in Nova Scotia, the celebrations start with a driving Tintamarre of decorated cars, followed by music on the streets and the traditional Tintamarre on foot. Celebrate National Acadian Day with costumed “animators,” who recreate Acadian celebrations and culture from the 1600s at Le Village Historique Acadien in Lower West Pubnico, Nova Scotia.

Acadian Coastal Drive