Montreal Winter Carnival
February 1884



“Composite moonlit views of the Montreal Winter Carnival. The main scene centers on a huge ice palace with a procession of men with torches, visitors, and horse-drawn sleighs. Inset views show tobogganers on a steep hill and ice skaters in festive costume celebrating winter. The ice palace is lit within by an orange light. The print is highlighted with glitter, giving a snow blown effect.

The Montreal Winter Carnival was instituted in 1883 to promote tourism, and was Canada's first large winter celebration. It became the high point of the winter season, with competitive sporting events held throughout the city. The carnival's centerpiece was the Ice Palace, constructed from blocks of ice cut from the St. Lawrence River and lit by electric lamps each evening. At the end of Carnival week the Palace was stormed by snowshoers with torches and fireworks.” - Image found at: http://www.georgeglazer.com/prints/sporting/winter/montrealcarn.html

This is the first in a series of posts by Leisure Projects about famous (or infamous!) Montreal parties. Leisure Projects is a Montréal-based art and curatorial collective.