National Acadian Day

National Acadian Day History

National Acadian Day celebrates the Acadian community with their rich cultural heritage and unique identity in Canada. This observance underscores the resilience, pride, and historic contributions of the Acadians, who are the descendants of French settlers that immigrated to the Atlantic region in the 17th century. Along with promoting cultural awareness and appreciation, National Acadian Day aims to cultivate unity and understanding among Acadians, as well as foster a sense of belonging to their distinct cultural lineage.

The history of National Acadian Day dates back to 1881, when the celebration was first proposed by the Société Nationale de l'Assomption during the first Acadian Convention held in Memramcook, New Brunswick. It was officially established in 1955 by the Canadian Parliament and has since carried great significance for Acadians in Canada. Approximately one-quarter of the population of New Brunswick, along with various communities in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and elsewhere across Canada, identify as Acadian. This cultural group has made significant contributions to the development of Canadian society, playing pivotal roles in the nation’s linguistic, political, and economic landscape.

National Acadian Day is observed in Canada through various festivities, including parades, concerts, and cultural events that showcase the vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse traditions of the Acadian people. In addition to flag-raising ceremonies and expressions of Acadian pride, the celebration encourages community engagement and collaboration. Joining with Acadians in honoring their roots and achievements strengthens the social fabric of Canada and enriches our collective heritage. National Acadian Day is celebrated annually on August 15, coinciding with the Catholic feast of the Assumption of Mary.

Top facts about National Acadian Day

• Today, most Acadians live in Canada's Atlantic provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Some remain in the Canadian province of Quebec and the US states of Maine and Louisiana.
• The three most common surnames in Acadia are:
  1) LeBlanc
  2) Cormier
  3) Richard
• Between 1755 and 1763, about 10,000 to 12,000 Acadians were forcibly expelled from their lands by British authorities during the Great Expulsion (also known as the Grand Dérangement or the Acadian Expulsion).
• To be Acadian is to have pardon in your heart, and to look forward with hope. - Zachary Richard - Acadian singer, songwriter

In the News and Trending for National Acadian Day

Top things to do for National Acadian Day

• Celebrate Titamarre, the largest Acadian Festival in Caraquet, New Brunswick. During this festival, people march through the streets making noise with a variety of different noisemaking tools.
• Try cooking some traditional Acadian dishes such as chicken fricot (a chicken soup), rapure (a pork and potato dish), and meat pie.
• Visit the Acadian museum in Miscouche, Prince Edward Island or the Acadian museum in Erath, Louisiana.
• Undertake an Acadian road trip and get a feel for cartographer Samuel de Champlain's first map of Acadia.
• Take a moment to research Acadian history and reflect upon how it has shaped Canada as a nation.