Come and Celebrate as One of Us: The History of the Fêtes du Vieux Saint-Eustache

For a week every August between 1973 and 1981, the Fêtes du Vieux Saint-Eustache brought a carnival-like atmosphere to the neighbourhood. Those who were lucky enough to be there remember this week as the biggest party Saint-Eustache ever had.

The aim of the festival was to revitalize the area and bring citizens together around social, cultural, and historical activities. It became so popular that it attracted up to 150,000 visitors per year – nearly five times the city population! In an era when the winds of change were reshaping Québec’s collective identity, the event provided opportunities to promote the community’s rich historical heritage – this through competitions, shows, exhibits, tastings and tours.

Map showing Saint-Eustache in the Montreal metropolitan area, 2024

In this exhibition, you’ll walk in the shoes of the main character, diving into the heart of 1970s Saint-Eustache and all the excitement of the Fêtes du Vieux Saint-Eustache. You are a young teen getting to know your new hometown: you’ll meet people who are committed to presenting history and heritage, make new friends, and – little by little – put down new roots.

As you take this unique tour through remembrances, archival videos and photos, you will experience an extraordinary event that has had a lasting impact on the community and has helped to forge the identity of today’s Saint-Eustache.

Welcome home, and enjoy your visit!