C3 Intercultural Understanding: demonstrate an understanding of information in French texts about aspects of culture in diverse French-speaking communities and other communities around the world, and of French sociolinguistic conventions used in a variety of situations and communities.

D3 Intercultural Understanding: in their written work, demonstrate an awareness of aspects of culture in diverse French-speaking communities and other communities around the world, and of the appropriate use of French sociolinguistic conventions in a variety of situations.

"Bonhomme is the official representative of the Quebec Winter Carnaval. Snow white, he proudly wears the red tuque and arrow sash of the heroes of our past. This living representation of the Québécois’ joie de vivre is represented by an Effigy modeled after him.

Bonhomme became a part of people’s lives on November 17, 1954, when representations of our now beloved snowman first appeared throughout Quebec City.

We’d have to wait until January, 9, 1955 for Bonhomme to make his first public appearance: on that day, he stood atop his own parade float in front of porte Saint-Louis. He then spoke up for the first time, inviting the population to celebrate during the three weeks preceding the Carnaval, which launched on February 1, 1955. Then mayor of Quebec City Wilfrid Hamel soon proceeded to offer Bonhomme the Key to the City. To this day, on each Carnaval opening night, the mayor of Quebec City gives Bonhomme the Key, symbolically confirming his role as King of the festivities.

Our Bonhomme is quite unlike those seen in Europe. The European bonhomme is an inanimate doll of straw or wood that ends up being burnt on Shrove Tuesday to symbolize the rebirth of spring. Our Bonhomme Carnaval, on the other hand, simply departs when the Carnaval is over, only to return with the same joy come the next winter!"