Press release
(For immediate release)

Clare, Nova Scotia, December 19, 2025 — After more than 70 years of well-established traditions, the Festival acadien de Clare is looking toward a renewed future that better reflects its current reality.

In partnership with the Société acadienne de Clare and the Municipality of Clare, the Festival is announcing changes to its 2026 program, affecting several major events, including the Tintamarre, the parade, the Cultural Expo and the Bazar.

These adjustments are primarily intended to improve the safety of participants, while making the Festival's program and flow even more enjoyable.

The Tintamarre will become the official parade of the Festival acadien de Clare

The first major change to the 2026 program is that the Tintamarre will become the Festival's official parade. It will take on the format of an official parade every August 15. This decision, made at the Annual General Meeting on December 8, is intended to ensure the safety of participants and the public.

While the Tintamarre has continued to grow in popularity, participation in the parade has been declining each year, making the Tintamarre a logical alternative.

Starting in 2026, the Tintamarre will follow the old parade route from Little Brook (field behind the Rug Shack) to Université Sainte-Anne, on a road closed to traffic and at a slower pace.

What will remain the same? We will make noise, show our pride, and finish strong on the Université Sainte-Anne campus, where the party will continue under the tent!

“The safety of the public, families, and participants guided this decision. The Tintamarre remains a flagship event of the Festival—and this change will allow us to preserve it while adapting it to its current reality,” explains the organizing committee.

The Cultural Expo will replace the former Bazar

With the decline in interest in the parade, the Bazar has also lost its appeal. However, last year, in collaboration with the Municipality of Clare's tourism service, the Festival hosted its first-ever Cultural Expo, which was a resounding success. Encouraged by this, the Expo will replace the Bazar. This is the second change planned for 2026, illustrating the Festival's evolution and its desire to offer a renewed experience.

Dates for the 2026 Festival acadien de Clare

One last exciting piece of news for the 2026 Clare Acadian Festival: the dates! Starting a little later, the Festival will run from August 2 to 15, 2026, allowing for a more fluid program and two weeks of activities that will build excitement leading up to the grand celebrations of National Acadian Day on August 15. Two weeks of music, culture, and community await you!

The Festival acadien de Clare warmly thanks the community, partners, and participants for their understanding and continued support. We look forward to welcoming you in August 2026 to celebrate Acadie in all its cultural richness!

Media contact and questions:

Daniel LeBlanc

Executive Director
Festival acadien de Clare
902-307-4468
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