The Top Franco-American Moments of 2024

It’s that time again when we go over the top Franco-American moments of the year! 2024 wrapped up, and we certainly kept ourselves busy with various events highlighting our culture. 

From cultural celebrations to historic firsts, this year was packed with unforgettable moments that showcased the vibrancy and resilience of the Franco-American community.

Let’s get into it! And don’t forget to look back at last year’s highlights – check out the top moments of 2023.

January 

Le Carrefour: The Intersection Documentary Screening

On January 17th, the Franco-American Collection at the University of Southern Maine hosted a screening of Le Carrefour: The Intersection, a powerful documentary about the history, heritage, and evolving identity of Franco-Americans in New England.

Le Carrefour was co-directed by NYU Professor and French language advocate Jessamine Irwin and documentary filmmaker Daniel Quintanilla. The film explores the intersection of past and present immigrant experiences in Lewiston, Maine, highlighting the connections between the Franco-American residents and newly arrived Franco-African immigrants.

Held in Lewiston, Maine, the event included a thought-provoking Q&A session with filmmakers and community members, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural contributions of the French language and its power to connect people from different walks of life.

Check out the trailer for Le Carrefour: 

February

Quebec Winter Carnival’s 70th Anniversary

From January 25th to February 11, 2024, Quebec City hosted its 70th Winter Carnival, a dazzling celebration of French-Canadian heritage and culture! Known as one of the world’s largest winter festivals, the event featured breathtaking ice sculptures, thrilling canoe races on the frozen St. Lawrence River, and the iconic Bonhomme. 

This year’s carnival was extended to mark its 70th anniversary and featured a variety of attractions, including:

❄️ Winter Wonderland: Bonhomme’s Ice Palace, Night Parades, Ice Canoe Race, and Snow Bath celebrate the magic of winter and get attendees to embrace the cold. 

🐻‍❄️Ice-Climbing Bear: A 45-foot-tall polar bear installation for daring climbers. 

🧊Scotiabank Sculpture Garden: Intricate ice and snow sculptures.

🧣Effigy Rally by SAIL: An interactive scavenger hunt where participants used Bonhomme-themed badges to explore and complete fun challenges for prizes. 

🍮 Delicious Carnival Indulgences: Visitors satisfied their sweet tooth with tire sur la neige (sweet and sticky maple taffy rolled on snow).

Check out the full rundown of Winter Carnival activities, or watch this travel highlight:

While specific attendance figures for the 70th anniversary have not been disclosed, the Québec Winter Carnival is renowned for attracting approximately one million visitors annually, making it the largest winter carnival in the Western Hemisphere. 

Trailer Debut for French Girl

On February 16th, we got our first glimpse of French Girl, a film set in Québec rather than in the ever-popular France (Bonjour, Emily in Paris!). The trailer introduced audiences to a story that seamlessly weaves themes of identity, love, and cultural discovery. 

Directed by a rising French filmmaker and starring a diverse cast of American and French talent, the film is poised to be a highlight of 2024’s cinematic offerings. 

Follows Gordon Kinski, a high school teacher from Brooklyn, who goes with his girlfriend and chef Sophie Tremblay to her hometown of Quebec City where she is testing for the Michelin 3-star restaurant of super-chef Ruby Collins. (IMBD)

Check out the trailer for French Girl:

March 

Francophonie Month Proclamation

On March 13th, we marked the annual celebration of Francophonie Month at the Executive Council Chambers at the State House in Concord, NH. The event highlighted the state’s deep-rooted French-Canadian heritage and Francophone community. 

Governor Sununu officially proclaimed March as Francophonie Month in New Hampshire, recognizing the contributions of French-speaking communities to the state’s history, culture, and economy. This proclamation reaffirmed the state’s commitment to preserving and promoting the French language and culture for future generations.

Check out the proclamation:

In 2025, NH will have a new governor already interested in Franco-American culture. But more on that later!

April 

Maine PoutineFest Announced at Le Rassemblement

During Le Rassemblement, an annual gathering at Le centre franco-américain in Orono, ME,  celebrating Franco-American culture, NHPF Founder Tim Beaulieu and PoutineFest crewmember Marcelle Murray announced the launch of Maine PoutineFest with a debut date in September. More on that later in this post, as well!

New Season of FCL

On April 28th, the highly anticipated new season of the French-Canadian Legacy Podcast premiered, offering more stories and in-depth looks at Franco-American history and culture. The show continues to be a favorite for its engaging storytelling and celebration of French-Canadian heritage by its host, Jesse Martineau. 

Check out the preview:

Don’t forget to support the FCL Podcast: https://fclpodcast.com/donate 

May

Franco-American of the Year

On May 4th, Mike Campbell received the official call honoring him as 2024’s Franco-American of the Year by the Franco-American Centre in Manchester, NH, during the highly anticipated Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Montréal vs. Boston hockey game at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, MA. 

This annual award celebrates the Franco-American community, and Campbell’s recognition highlights his dedication to preserving and promoting Franco-American culture through his role as producer of the French-Canadian Legacy Podcast. Every year, the chosen Franco-American of the Year makes a special speech at NH PoutineFest in the fall, so more on that later in this post!

And what of the hockey game? Boston secured a 4-3 victory over Montréal in a thrilling matchup. Boston initially led 3-0, but Montréal mounted a strong comeback, scoring three goals in the third period to tie the game. However, with just 1:20 remaining, Boston clinched the win with a decisive goal. 

This victory was significant for Boston, as it clinched their postseason berth in the PWHL.  Kaleigh Fratkin scored the game-winning goal with 80 seconds remaining, ensuring Boston’s place in the playoffs. 

More on PWHL’s Montréal team later in this post!

Check out the replay:

June

Visitors from Québec in Manchester

On June 14th, in accordance with the Franco-American Centre, a tour group from Québec visited Manchester, NH, to connect with Franco-American history and culture. The visit strengthened the bond between New England and Québec, reflecting our shared culture and history. 

Highlights included discussions on cross-border collaborations and celebrating the French language, showcasing the enduring partnership between Québec and New England.

Québec Flag Raising in Boston

In a proud display of Franco-American, French-Canadian, and Québecois unity, the Québec flag was raised in Boston during a vibrant ceremony in anticipation of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day. This annual tradition by the Québec Government Office honors the cultural and historical ties between the U.S. and Québec, emphasizing the significance of French-Canadian heritage and the French language in the region.

July

Céline Dion Shines at the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris opened with a breathtaking ceremony celebrating French culture, sportsmanship, and global unity. A standout moment was Céline Dion’s awe-inspiring performance of Edith Piaf’s timeless classic, Hymne à l’Amour.

The beloved French-Canadian artist captivated the audience with her powerful rendition, embodying the spirit of love and resilience that resonates deeply with both the song and the Olympic ideals. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Seine River and the Eiffel Tower, Dion’s performance became an unforgettable highlight, bringing a touch of Québec to the world stage. 

Check it out, and try not to shed a tear:

August 

Franco-American Salem, MA Tour

On August 17th, a group of us organized a special Franco-American tour in Salem, Massachusetts, offering a deep dive into the witchy city’s French-Canadian history.

The tour, led by Shawn Pinette, took us on foot through old French-Canadian stomping grounds.

French-Canadian immigrants left a lasting imprint on Salem, MA, with landmarks highlighting their cultural and historical significance. The neighborhoods where French-Canadians settled, often near Salem’s factories, became hubs of cultural and social activity. 

At the heart of their community was St. Joseph’s Church, founded in 1873, which provided French-language Masses, religious education, and a space for celebrations like La Fête de la Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Nearby, St. Joseph’s School preserved the French language and heritage while preparing children for life in the U.S.

The devastating Great Salem Fire of 1914 was a pivotal moment in the history of Salem’s French-Canadian immigrant community. The fire, which broke out on June 25, 1914, destroyed more than 1,300 buildings and left thousands homeless, disproportionately affecting the French-Canadian population. Many lived in densely packed neighborhoods near the industrial centers where they worked, and these areas were among the hardest hit.

Despite the immense challenges, the French-Canadian community showed remarkable resilience. Families helped one another find shelter and work, and efforts were made to rebuild homes and preserve their cultural institutions.

Stay tuned for a full blog post of our Franco Salem Tour! 

September 

Victoire de Montréal Announced

On September 9th, the PWHL announced that its Montréal team would be hereby known as Victoire de Montréal (Montréal Victoire), setting the stage for another amazing season for this women’s hockey league! 

The announcement brought excitement and pride to the PWHL’s growing fanbase. With a name that embodies strength and triumph, fans were eager to embrace the team’s new identity, paying homage to Montréal’s rich hockey history and vibrant culture. With talented players ready to hit the ice again and represent their city, the anticipation for the upcoming season reached new heights. 

Check out Montréal Victoire’s official announcement:

Learn more about the PWHL teams: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/news/2024/september/09/pwhl-unveils-all-six-team-identities-ahead-of-second-season 

Maine PoutineFest

On September 14th, Maine PoutineFest debuted at Thompson’s Point in Portland, expanding its celebration of the beloved Québécois dish of fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Attendees gathered to check out the vendors from Madawaska to Old Orchard Beach, tables featuring local French-Canadian and Franco-American clubs, groups, and organizations, and, of course, eat poutine! 

This year’s Maine Champion title went to Pinky D’s of Lisbon Falls, while Duck Fat of Portland claimed the People’s Choice award. Congratulations to both for serving up your delicious poutine!

Poutine fanatics can celebrate early because there will be another event in 2025! 🎉

Notre rêve américain premières on Télé-Québec

On September 23rd, the documentary Notre rêve américain (Our American Dream) produced by Zone3 and filmed by Québec rapper and writer, Biz, and globetrotter, Jean-Michel Dufaux, premiered on Télé-Québec. 

This film explored the often-overlooked contributions of French-Canadian immigrants to the United States and the deep historical ties between French-Canadians & Québecois and their southern neighbors.

Traveling to Detroit, MI, Manchester, NH, and Boston, Biz and Jean-Michel uncovered stories of French-Canadian resilience and cultural preservation. From coureurs des bois to artists and entrepreneurs, these unsung heroes shaped American history in profound ways. 

Interviewing Québec historians and Franco-American advocates, the filmmakers spotlighted some familiar faces in our local circles:

Robert B. Perreault: Long-time advocate for Manchester, NH’s history and New England’s Franco-American culture. Since 1973, he has contributed as a historian, archivist, writer, tour guide, and educator. In 2012, he was named Franco-American of the Year. 

David Vermette: Author of A Distinct Alien Race: The Untold Story of Franco-Americans (En français: Une race d’étrangers. Le récit méconnu des Franco-Américains). 

Dr. Claire-Marie Brisson: Franco-Michigander, French-language professor at Harvard University, and host of The North American Francophone Podcast. 

Jesse Martineau: Host of the French-Canadian Legacy Podcast. 

Films such as these serve as a vital reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating French-Canadian heritage and Franco-American culture in the U.S.

Learn more from the press release of Notre rêve américain. 

Check out the trailer on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GPzKpgvEV/

October 

NH PoutineFest

On October 12th, New Hampshire PoutineFest (NHPF) again brought poutiniacs together for a delicious celebration of poutine! The event was made even more special by the participation of high school students from Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, who volunteered to help make the event a success. 

Attendees enjoyed sampling a variety of poutine styles while celebrating the roots of French-Canadian and Franco-American heritage and culture in the U.S. The 2024 Champion was the Thirsty Moose in Merrimack (back-to-back champs), and the People’s Choice winner was Hollis House of Pizza.

Franco-American of the Year Mike Campbell accepted his award and spoke about his role as producer of FCL. He also spoke about his Franco-American background, sharing memories of hearing French being spoken as a child and having tourtière on Christmas.

Check out a recap of NHPF from Eric Béliveau and Yan Lauzon of the Raconte-moi mes ancêtres podcast, featuring interviews of some familiar faces in the New England Franco-American community:

Young Franco-American Summit

On October 26th, the Young Franco-American Summit welcomed the young generation of ​​Franco-Americans, French-Canadians, Acadians, Québécois, and Francophones for its fourth year to share our stories and experiences within the French-heritage world. 

This year, we gathered at the University of Massachusetts in Lowell for a day of discussion and presentations. Let’s hear it for our Keynote Speaker, Mercédès Baillargeon, Associate Professor of French and Francophone Studies at UMass Lowell!

Mercédès graciously hosted us at the university and delivered an informative speech about The Greater Lowell Franco-American Digital Archives. 

We also had a YFAS first: an on-site Franco-American tour! After delivering her keynote speech, Mercédès led us along where Lowell’s Petit Canada once stood. Of course, we couldn’t resist visiting Cote’s Market and Jack Kerouac sites like the Grotto and the new mural displayed in his honor.

Check out these 2024 YFAS stats:

⚜️ 7 total attendees (two not pictured), of which…

⚜️ 4 spoke French

⚜️ 3 had some knowledge of the French language

⚜️ 5 had never attended YFAS before

Where did this year’s attendees arrive from?

📍Taunton, MA

📍Lowell, MA

📍Lexington, MA

📍Warwick, RI

📍Derry, NH

Merci beaucoup to everyone who attended and presented this year! This continues to be an impactful event, with new attendees asking what more they can do to be involved in the Franco-American community.

Want to learn more or participate in YFAS 2025? Contact me at melody@modernefrancos.com. 

November 

Kelly Ayotte Elected First Franco-American Governor of New Hampshire

On November 5th, Kelly Ayotte made history by winning her bid for Governor of New Hampshire, becoming the state’s first Franco-American governor. 

A proud moment for Franco-Americans across the state and beyond, Ayotte’s victory highlights the enduring impact of the Franco-American community in New England. 

Having been to NHPF in 2023 and 2024, she’s personally shared stories of pride for her Franco-American heritage. Particularly by keeping her grandmother’s maiden (and Franco!) surname, Ayotte, alive.  

Josée Vachon Concert at the Dana Center

On November 19th, award-winning Franco-American singer Josée Vachon delighted the audience at the Dana Center at Saint Anselm College with a stunning performance of traditional and contemporary folksongs from Québec and Acadia. 

All ages were practically jumping out of their seats to sing along with Josée, especially when she gave them a line in French to sing after her. The evening was a celebration of rich cultural heritage, musical artistry, and fun for everyone! 

Support Josée’s music: https://joseevachon.com/

Check out a clip from the performance:

PWHL Returns: Montréal Triumphs in Home Opener

November 30th marked the thrilling return of the PWHL, with Victoire de Montréal hosting their highly anticipated home opener. The team delivered an electrifying performance against the Ottawa Charge, securing a victory in front of a passionate home crowd. 

The win celebrated the return of top-tier women’s hockey and reaffirmed Montréal’s position as a hub for Francophone sports culture.

Check out the game highlights:

December 

Notre-Dame Cathedral Reopens

In an emotional and historic moment, the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris reopened its doors with a special ceremony on December 7th, marking the completion of extensive restoration efforts following the devastating fire in 2019. 

Attended by President Macron and other world leaders, it was a sight to behold this centuries-old cathedral’s renovations and architectural beauty.

The iconic cathedral, a symbol of French culture and history, once again welcomed worshippers and visitors in the following days. Its reopening during the holiday season added to the sense of hope and renewal in France. 

Watch its reopening ceremony:

It’s incredible to reflect on the milestones, celebrations, and moments of pride that defined 2024 for the Franco-American community. These events remind us that being Franco-American is more than just preserving the past – it’s about celebrating who we are today and building a future that honors our history, heritage, and culture while embracing growth and connection.

What were your favorite moments from 2024? Feel free to share, and let’s keep celebrating Franco-American culture together!

Here’s to an even more vibrant and inspiring 2025! ✨