16th annual Victoria French Fest, March 7-10th, 2013

Centennial Square is the site of the 16th annual Victoria French Fest. Celebrate French culture and heritage March 7 – 10th, 2013 in Victoria BC with free events for children, drumming workshops, sugar shack, artisans marketplace, performances and more!  (Complete program guide -in French and English here). Most free events take place noon – 4 pm in the Square. The Festival opens Thursday March 7th with a mixer (le 5 à 7) at the Sticky Wicket.

Join traditional Québec folk group Le Bal à L’huile and singer Andy St Louis at the Pacific Fleet Club, Friday March 8th. Tickets at the Société Francophone de Victoria. 

The Sugar Shack Brunch is at the Ambrosia Centre, Sunday March 10th at 11am (tickets required). This event usually sells out, so be sure to get your tickets in advance.

People are often amazed at the number of Francophones and Francophiles in the Capital Region (Victoria BC).They are equally astonished that there are native franco-colombiens (someone born in BC who identifies as Francophone). I am one, as are my children.

The Société Francophone de Victoria (Victoria Francophone Society) works hard to promote French language and culture. So do a myriad of groups, including educational institutions like École Victor-Brodeur, the University of Victoria and the venerable Alliance Française, not to forget the many immersion programs in local schools.

Did you know that in the beginnings of Fort Victoria francophones were among some of the very first settlers? L’Association Historique Francophone de Victoria  offers tours, including St Ann’s Academy, that highlight this connection.

Some of the many Francophone groups and services in Victoria include:

Société Francophone de Victoria

École Victor-Brodeur (a K-12 school with over 500 students)

The burgeoning community radio CILS FM at 107.9

The long-standing traditional dance troupe Les Cournouillers

A centre of continuing education, Éducacentre with courses in French, and for people who want to improve their French.

Réseau Femmes de la C-B (Women’s network) offering workshops, get-togethers and events.

Scouts francophones/Francophone scouts (for boys and girls)

Conseil Jeunesse de la Colombie – Britannique (Francophone Youth Council)

Paroisse St Jean Baptiste (Francophone Roman Catholic parish, established in the 1950s)

L’Agraff (l’Association des gens retraités et aînés francophones -Francophone seniors)

La Société de Développement Économique de la Colombie-Brittanique (Economic Development)

Garderie Saut-Mouton (day care)

L’Association Historique Francophone de Victoria  people passionate about exploring the Francophone historical connections.

Canadian Parents for French (parents of children in immersion)

Alliance Française de Victoria

Whether you are Francophone or Francophile (someone who is fond of, or admires, French) there is a group or organization for you.  Don’t hesitate to get involved.

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