Angelina Iosso,
SNHU Intern

August 15th is National Acadian day!  A day when Acadians in both Canada and the US celebrate their heritage and culture! On National Acadian Day people celebrate with Tintamarre; a noisy and colorful event for all to celebrate! In the Canadian Maritime, a grand celebration is held where people parade through their communities with instruments to make noise and celebrate their heritage together.

Today, Acadians live primarily in the Canada’s Maritime provinces and Quebec as well as in the United States, mostly in Maine and Louisiana. This is in part due to colonial wars fought between France and England. After these wars, France ceded most of Acadian land to Great Britain. The Acadians refused to submit to the British Monarchy resulting in The Great Upheaval (1755-1764), where Acadians were deported or went into in hiding.

Why is Acadian Day celebrated August 15^th?  When Acadians decided to have a special holiday they debated between Saint-Jean Baptiste Day (French Canadian’s national holiday) on June 24^th and the day of Our Lady of Assumption, celebrated on August 15^th.   While at the first National Acadian Convention in Memramcook, New Brunswick in 1881, our Lady of Assumption was chosen as the patron saint of Acadians.

Overall, Acadian Day celebrates the contribution of Acadians.  To the cultural fabric, their history and cultural specificity in all its joyous diversity.  With fairs, barbeques, festivals and other celebratory events like the Tintamarre, it’s a great day for everyone.