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On August 15, we celebrate the vibrant culture and heritage of the Acadian people on National Acadian Day! This holiday originated in Canada in the late 19th century as a way to honor and remember the hardships and triumphs of the Acadians. Today, it's a day filled with lively parades, traditional music and dance performances, and delicious food that showcases the unique flavors of Acadian cuisine. So mark your calendars and join in on the festivities – you won't want to miss out on this celebration of history, community, and pride.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1604</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Settlement of Acadia</div><div class='timeline-text'>French colonists establish the first permanent European settlement in northeastern North America, naming it Acadia.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1755</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Acadian Expulsion</div><div class='timeline-text'>The British forcefully exile the Acadian people during what would be known as the Great Expulsion or Le Grand Dérangement.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1764</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Return to Acadia</div><div class='timeline-text'>Some Acadians are able to return to their homeland, after years of displacement and longing for their lost home.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1881</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Acadian Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Acadian Day is observed to commemorate the unique culture, history, and resilience of the Acadian people.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Day of Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Parliament of Canada officially recognizes August 15 as National Acadian Day, marking a significant step in acknowledging Acadian contributions to Canadian heritage.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Growing Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Acadian Day has grown into a vibrant celebration, filled with music, dance, parades, and delicious traditional cuisine, attracting people from all walks of life to join in the festivities.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend an Acadian cultural festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local events calendar for any Acadian cultural festivals happening on National Acadian Day. This is a great way to immerse yourself in Acadian culture and celebrate with others.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Cook traditional Acadian dishes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Research and try your hand at cooking some traditional Acadian dishes. This is a delicious and fun way to celebrate the holiday with friends and family.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Acadian history</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn about the history of the Acadian people and their contributions to society. This will deepen your understanding and appreciation for the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear Acadian colors</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your Acadian pride by wearing the colors of the Acadian flag - blue, white, and red. You can also incorporate these colors into your decorations and food for the day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Listen to Acadian music</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put on some traditional Acadian music or attend a live performance to celebrate the holiday with some lively and festive tunes.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates Acadian culture and history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Acadian Day is a time to honor and celebrate the unique culture and heritage of the Acadian people. This holiday provides an opportunity to learn about their traditions, history, and contributions to society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings communities together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On National Acadian Day, communities come together to celebrate their shared history and culture. Festivals, parades, and other events are organized to commemorate this special day, providing a sense of community and unity among Acadians.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes cultural preservation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By celebrating National Acadian Day, we also help ensure that Acadian culture and traditions are preserved for future generations. This holiday serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our diverse cultural identities.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Acadian Day Coincides with the Feast of the Assumption</h3><p class='facts-content'>National Acadian Day is celebrated on the same day as the Catholic Feast of the Assumption. This religious holiday commemorates the bodily taking up of the Virgin Mary into heaven.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Acadian Flag was Adopted in 1884</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Acadian flag, which features the French flag, a gold star and yellow, white, and red stripes, became the official symbol of Acadians at the second National Acadian Convention in 1884.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Acadians are French-Speaking Descendants from New France</h3><p class='facts-content'>Acadians are a cultural group that originated from settlers from France who settled in Acadia during the 17th century. They are known for preserving their French language and culture.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Tintamarre is an Integral Part of National Acadian Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Tintamarre is a tradition unique to Acadian celebration where people parade around making loud noises with pots, pans, and instruments. This is done to assert their cultural presence in a loud and lively way.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Ave Maris Stella plays a Key Role in Celebrations</h3><p class='facts-content'>The hymn Ave Maris Stella, Latin for "Star of the Sea", plays a significant role during National Acadian Day. As the Acadian national anthem, it's often performed at celebrations and highlights the group's Catholic heritage.</p></div></div>
National Acadian Day is celebrated on August 15 every year. In 2024 National Acadian Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Aug 15
Tuesday
2024
Aug 15
Thursday
2025
Aug 15
Friday
2026
Aug 15
Saturday
2027
Aug 15
Sunday
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