Mi-Carême Interpretive Centre
Did you know that...
the Mi-Carême Centre is the only interpretive centre in Canada dedicated to the wonderfully whimsical Mi-Carême (Mid-Lent) celebration? A team of passionate guides cannot wait to greet you and tell you all about it!
Come discover everything about the centuries-old fantastic and fun-filled Acadian tradition of the Mi-Carême, which is still celebrated every winter in the Grand Étang area.
Initiate yourself...
to the art of disguise with our beautiful mask workshop! Be amazed by your own creativity as you craft your own mask, and bring home one of your most memorable souvenirs yet!
Following the workshop, enjoy a visit of the Mi-Carême’s museum area. The astonishing story of the Mi-Carême celebration is revealed to you through fun and original interactive displays - there is nothing quite like it!
Come enjoy...
year-round cultural events organized by the Mi-Carême Centre, in a casual, friendly and spirited atmosphere. You can always expect laughter, music and delectable Acadian tastes!
Come nourish your creative spirit with our Ocean Creations workshops, in a breathtaking ocean-shore setting!
Prepare to be...
inspired and enchanted by the art-pieces displayed by the Mi-Carême Centre! It is our mission to delight our visitors with the incredible craftsmanship of our local artists.
Their unique skill and knowledge have been handed down for generations, their creations are true gems of Acadian heritage! Make sure you also stop by our artisanal boutique, there are many locally handcrafted pieces that will make perfect gifts for those you love, or treasured souvenirs of Grand Étang to take home with you.
Visit Us...
Location
51 Old Cabot Trail Road, Grand-Étang, Nova Scotia
Season 2023 - Opening Times
June 28th 2023 to October 15th 2023
Wednesday to Sunday: 10am to 5pm
How to find us
Once you are on the Cabot Trail and see the Grand Étang Harbour, turn onto the road that hugs the harbour and you will see the Mi-Carême Interpretative Centre. The Centre is located behind the LeMoine Co-op Store of Grand Étang. We are pleased to offer free parking at the site.
Fees:
Adult: (19 to 64) $5.00
Senior: (65 and over) $4.00
Student: $4.00
Child: (5 and under) Free
Family: (2 adults, 2–3 children) $12.00
Groups: (10+)
Tour group: $4.00 per person
School group: $3.50 per person
Meet our Team...
Diane Bourgeois
Come on behind the scenes and meet Diane Bourgeois, our artist in residence at the Mi-Carême Centre! We feel so extremely thankful to have Diane with us, she truly is the heART and soul of our Interpretative Centre!
As a folk-artist with over 1000 paintings and creative art pieces, Diane Bourgeois is a beloved wood-sculptor and painter from Chéticamp. She has a talent for depicting typical scenes from Cape-Breton with a colourful and liberating “Naïve Art” approach, inviting spectators to reconnect with their own childhood innocence. You can catch glimpses of her artwork at different art-festivals throughout Nova-Scotia, but most often it can be admired, and even bought, at the Mi-Carême Interpretative Centre.
Diane and the Mi-Carême Interpretative Centre?
At the Mi-Carême Interpretative Centre, Diane facilitates the Mi-Carême Mask and the OceanFront Creations workshops for young children, youths, families and adults. She also works on all art projects with the Centre’s members and volunteers. For Diane, creating a fun and reassuring environment for others, and helping them take an artistic leap of faith as they contemplate trying something they have never done, or that they feel nervous about doing, is important to her : “just try it and see” she suggests with a smile. So simple, and yet it works! Diane pours her heart and fun into everything she does. Her art shines bright, so vibrantly colourful and joyful that it touches the heart, putting a smile on everyone’s face!
Create Art with Diane this Summer 2023!
You too can join our wonderfully kind and talented Diane during one of her art workshops this summer 2023!
Sign up for one of our Oceanfront Creations Workshops or Mask Workshops today!
