22nd edition of Pointe-à-Callière’s Public Market!

Visit the 18th-century Public Market put on every year in August by Pointe-à-Callière, the Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History. There will be stalls, a military camp, a Native camp, musicians, demonstrations by craftspeople, a chance to chat with historic figures… an entertaining weekend guaranteed! It’s also a great opportunity to purchase the kind of products available in the days of New France, and for children to enjoy the games Native and French youngsters played back then.

Take a trip back in time!
The year is 1703, and Governor Louis-Hector de Callière has just died. This will be the backdrop this year, setting the scene at Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal’s Archaeology and History Complex, for its now famous 18th Century Public Market, which takes visitors back to the days of New France. For the occasion, merchants, entertainers, craftspeople, and natives—all in period costume—will meet at the marketplace on August 22 and 23, in the area around the Museum and in Place Royale, in Old Montréal.

A European tradition
Pointe-à-Callière recreates the marketplace on the very site where it stood during the French regime. At the time, the market was held twice a week, and—in keeping with European tradition—the marketplace was the city’s main public square. That was where the bailiff would read out decrees, and where peasants, merchants, innkeepers, workers, travellers, soldiers, sailors, noblemen, middle-class citizens, and civil servants mingled to buy and sell, while discussing the news of the day and the latest gossip… Strolling musicians, street entertainers, and craftspeople also were on hand to make market day truly delightful!

Two days of activity—as it all happened in the days of New France
In addition to musicians and craftspeople, the Public Market will also be host to plenty of other activities involving some one hundred figures enthusiastically re-enacting period scenes. A military regiment and a native camp will also be part of the festivities.

Meet historian Jacques Lacoursière
As always, historian Jacques Lacoursière will be in attendance at the Public Market, for the 22nd year in a row. Starting out as the Market’s main historical advisor, Mr. Lacoursière then took on the role of a scribe who taught the art of writing with a quill pen, while discussing Montreal history with participants. Each year, from his very own kiosk, he enthusiastically shares his knowledge of New France with visitors. Jacques Lacoursière is, without a doubt, a Public Market must-see!

A not-to-be-missed performance by the Buffalo Hat Singers!
The Buffalo Hat Singers are a group of contemporary powwow singers based in Montreal. Singing along to the rhythm of traditional drumming, the group will perform powwow songs, primarily in the Anishinabe language.

For more information: pacmusee.qc.ca    514-872-9150

Saturday, August 22, from 10 am to 8 pm
Sunday, August 23, from 10 am to 6 pm

Event location
In Place Royale and the area around the Museum
Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History
Neighbourhood: Montreal Old Port
Metro: Place-d’Armes

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