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National Acadian Day – August 15, 2023

Every year, certain Canadian regions commemorate National Acadian Day on August 15 to honor the Acadian people and culture. The Acadian leaders were given the mandate to designate the date of this celebration, which is also the feast of the Assumption of Mary, during the first National Convention of the Acadians in Memramcook, New Brunswick, in 1881. The Acadians, who originated in France, were the first Europeans to permanently settle in Canada.

History of National Acadian Day

The history and culture of Canada’s Acadian people are commemorated on National Acadian Day. When France founded Nova Scotia in Port Royal in 1605 as North America’s first permanent settlement, thousands of Acadians were compelled to abandon their homes and relocate as a result of the Great Upheaval, which lasted from 1755 to 1763. Many people eventually returned to the Acadian region, but others never did.

National Acadian Day was founded in 1881 at the first National Convention of the Acadians in Memramcook, New Brunswick, when the Acadian leaders were given the task of deciding on a date for the celebration, which coincided with the Assumption of Mary’s feast day. The date was the subject of a debate at the convention between those who wanted Acadians to commemorate Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, which has been a national day of French Canadians since 1834 and a national holiday of Quebec since 1977, on June 24, and those who wanted the commemoration to take place on August 15.

During this time, a significant number of Acadian leaders were traditionalists who desired the preservation of pre-revolutionary France’s ideals and practices. This did not stop the Acadians from adopting a tricolor flag at the Miscouche convention three years later. With his statement before the conference, Abbot Marcel-François Richard, who supported August 15, is thought to have influenced the outcome. By January 1938, the Vatican approved the Acadian convention’s choice in a declaration. National Acadian Day became an official Canadian holiday in 2003, thanks to the efforts of the Canadian Parliament.

National Acadian Day timeline

1881
The First Acadian Day

National Acadian Day is established at the first National Convention of the Acadians.

1994
First Congrès Mondial Acadien (C.M.A.)

The first Congrès Mondial Acadien (C.M.A.) is held across municipalities in Southeastern New Brunswick.

2003
Royal Recognition

A Royal Proclamation recognizes the wrongs suffered by the Acadians when they were forcibly deported from Acadie from 1755 until 1762.

2004
National Acadian Day

The provincial governments officially recognize National Acadian Day.

National Acadian Day FAQs

Can you see the Northern Lights in Acadia?

The Northern Lights can often be observed from Downeast Acadia’s northernmost reaches.

Is Acadia home to bears?

On the island, there is a small permanent population of black bears.

Can you go hiking at night in Acadia?

Acadia National Park’s Park Loop Road is open at night, allowing visitors to drive into and around the park.

National Acadian Day Activities

  1. Make plans to visit Acadia

    Festivals are held by Acadians to celebrate their centuries-old traditions, as well as contemporary arts and culture. Festivals are held all year in Acadian and francophone towns around the province, so plan a vacation to Canada to see them for yourself.

  2. Read about Acadian history

    It's possible that you've never heard of Acadia, a French colony in North America. Now that you've heard of them, it's time to learn more about their culture and history for yourself!

  3. Listen to music from Acadia

    Good music has a way of burying itself in our hearts. It's something that brings us all together. Listen to Acadian music or Google up and listen to Acadian artists.

5 Facts About Acadia That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Acadia's first capital

    Port Royal was Acadia's first capital and was erected in 1605.

  2. Bolognino Zaltieri

    Bolognino Zaltieri named an area far to the northeast of present-day Nova Scotia and New Brunswick 'Arcadia' in 1566.

  3. The inspiration behind Acadia

    The term ’Quoddy,’ which means open sloop-rigged sailboat, was thought to have inspired the name Acadia.

  4. Cod abundance

    Acadia was famed for its abundance of cod, which drew European traders and fishermen to its shores.

  5. The Acadian dialect

    Chiac is an Acadian dialect prevalent throughout the region.

Why We Love National Acadian Day

  1. The view from Otter Cliff

    Otter Cliff, at 110 feet above sea level, is the spectacular climax of the Ocean Walk. It's a popular rock climbing destination, and it's composed of Cadillac granite, the unique pink rock that Acadia is known for.

  2. Being one with nature

    Acadia is all about taking in the beauty of nature, and camping and stargazing add to the experience. The park campgrounds are inexpensive, nice, and clean, even if they are a little run-down.

  3. It commemorates Acadia's past

    Acadians' history is commemorated on National Acadian Day. It honors their history and culture while also preserving their legacy.

National Acadian Day dates

YearDateDay
2023August 15Tuesday
2024August 15Thursday
2025August 15Friday
2026August 15Saturday
2027August 15Sunday

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