September 2024, Saint-Eustache

While out for a drive, you pass your old city. You haven’t lived there for many years, but you like to pay it a visit once in a while. Surprise! Part of rue Saint-Eustache is closed to traffic, and judging by the long lineup by the mill, you guess they must be serving buckwheat pancakes. The grounds of the Globensky manor and the Légaré mill are abuzz with craftspeople, historical interpretors, actors and musicians. It takes you right back. Clearly, there’s a celebration happening here!

A photograph of two smiling men wearing plaid shirts and arrow sashes. One is holding a fiddle and a bow, while the other is holding a guitar. They are strolling among the booths and festival-goers.

Musicians performing at the Festival de la galette, 2023

What you’ve stumbled upon is the 39th edition of the Festival de la galette. Even after decades, this festival, just like the Fête nationale (formerly Arts en Fête) is still going strong. Every year, thousands of people come to see the Légaré mill and the rest of Old Saint-Eustache, which comes alive for the occasion. Celebrating history and heritage is a tradition that shows no signs of disappearing in the neighbourhood. It has become part of its DNA.

Six people, three men and three women, pose in Old Saint-Eustache. They are dressed in period costumes. Behind them we can see colourful booths.

People in period costume at the Festival de la galette, 2021

A source of pride, the Fêtes du Vieux Saint-Eustache helped the people of Saint-Eustache to develop a sense of belonging. They also encouraged many to develop an interest in history and heritage. Even though she has gone on to do other things, former event organizer Monique Villeneuve, has continued to cultivate an interest in local history.

A photograph of a blue-eyed woman with brown medium-length hair, digitally edited to look like a comic strip. She looks straight at the camera.

Monique Villeneuve, one of the organizers of the Fêtes du Vieux Saint-Eustache, circa 1976

Monique Villeneuve’s love for heritage. Listen to the audio excerpt in French, the written transcription is available in English.

Wandering through the gardens of the Globensky manor, you bump into a tall woman with a radiant smile, carrying a walkie-talkie. Her face looks familiar. Maybe she was one of the kids you looked after at the day camp you worked at? She stops to say hello. You recognize her: it’s Julie Ciavarella! She has always participated in the festivals held in Old Saint-Eustache, and now she’s the organizer of the Festival de la galette.

A photograph of a smiling, brown-haired woman wearing glasses and a floral print dress, digitally edited to look like a comic strip. She is standing on a large, flat rock, and has her hands on her hips. Behind her are the Légaré mill, the dike, and the Rivière du Chêne.

Julie Ciavarella, organizer of the Festival de la galette, 2024

The Festival de la galette by Julie Ciavarella. Listen to the audio excerpt in French, the written transcription is available in English.

Her enthusiasm is contagious. You’ll be sure to come back to celebrate in Old Saint-Eustache, and invite your friends and family to come too!

The Story Continues Credits and Acknowledgements