Quebec Winter Carnaval Parade
A parade in freezing temperature? And at night? That’s even colder! Oui! Only in Quebec City, the self-proclaimed “Winter Capital of the World.”
And guess what?
People really went out, watched the parade and braved the biting wind and freezing cold.
Since I was staying at HI Quebec – Auberge Internationale de Hostel, the parade can be reached in under 10 minutes walk. The hostel receptionist pointed out of its route on a map and advised me to go there around 8:30 pm because that’s when the parade itself reaches the area. But, I didn’t listen. I went out at 7:15 pm so I could get a really good spot to take photos. And as first timer, I want to have the best view, of course!
When I reached the parade route, there weren’t many people yet. So I went inside the Ice Castle and explored its surrounding area. At 7:45, despite wearing $89.99 snow boots, my toes were becoming numb and my cheeks felt like 70% brick of solid ice. I slapped them twice but they seemed like rock. I pinched them hard again and again to make sure I’m not a human ice sculpture yet. I didn’t really feel the pain. I’m not even into “[easyazon_link asin=”034580404X” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”default” tag=”pridecostume-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”yes”]50 Shades of Grey[/easyazon_link]”! I had my underpants and two thick socks on. I wore an undershirt, a thick Tommy Hilfiger sweater and a knitted scarf! I was a bulging barrel in such a fashion. Gawd, I was a perfect example of a fashion disaster! And oh, I had a beanie, too, under my Russian-style (fake) fur hat! But, apparently, those are not enough to beat Quebec winter despite being bundled up in layers of clothing.
I hurried back to the hostel to keep myself warm because there’s nowhere to go around to keep myself warm, especially my numbing toes! I settled on a couch as soon as I arrived. I gently rubbed my toes for heat and grateful I was alive. LOL….
At 8:30, I walked back to the parade viewing route. At 8:43, I had the first glimpse of the first parade participants.
TIPS FOR WATCHING THE PARADE
Go to the nearest designated parade route accessible to you. And go there 10 minutes before they arrive. Waiting is an agony in itself and its more excruciatingly agonizing to wait in frigid Celsius. Don’t worry about a space to view the parade. There’s always a space for you, believe me.
Keep moving to beat the cold. Dance if you can! Some parade floats and bands play good music and the happy, jolly atmosphere is infectious!
And of course, bundle up! Don’t worry about fashion. I’m telling you, “You won’t be alone.” 😀
Related: Ice Castle and Ice Sculptures in Quebec City
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2015 Winter Carnaval Parade in Quebec City.
The parade ended with Bon Homme, the official snowman mascot of 2015 Winter Quebec Carnaval, dancing to really cool music to the delight of the crowd. His float design actually reminded me of [easyazon_link asin=”B005MDFHGC” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”default” tag=”pridecostume-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”yes”]Lady’s Gaga’s geometrical outfit[/easyazon_link].
WHERE TO STAY IN QUEBEC CITY
If you are looking for a good youth hostel in Quebec City, I’d recommend staying at the HI Quebec-Auberge Internationale de Quebec Hostel. It’s located right inside Old Quebec and walking distance to everything you want to see, do and eat in the city.
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