Thousands of Acadians from various parts of the world are expected to celebrate their culture and heritage in the municipalities of Clare, Yarmouth and Argyle in Southwestern Nova Scotia at the 2024 Congrès mondial acadien (CMA — Acadian World Congress). The nine-day event begins today and runs until August 18.
Family reunions are a big part of the CMA celebration. Those planned so far combine several families:
- Arsenault, Gauvin and Maillet
- Babineau and Granger
- Blanchard, Dulong, Frotten and Vacon
- Breaux and Hébert
- d’Entremont, d’Eon and Amirault
- DeViller, Fitzgerald, Harris, Clairmont and Jacquard
- Guédry and Petipas
- Léger, Trahan and Vincent
- Saulnier and Melanson
The CMA is held once every five years. In the past, it has taken place in various locations with an Acadian connection, such as New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Louisiana and Maine. Nova Scotia last hosted the Congress 20 years ago, in 2004.
The first Congress was held in 1994 in Moncton, New Brunswick.
CBC News reports that plans are already in the works for the next Congress. Greater Bouctouche in New Brunswick has applied to host in 2029, and the Chaleur region — teaming up with Quebec municipalities Avignon and Bonaventure — has also applied. The host community will be announced before Christmas.
