Saturday is National Acadian Day – a day where people gather to celebrate Acadian culture and heritage. The day has been marked on Aug. 15 since 1881, when the first national Acadian convention was held in Memramcook, N.B. Dozens of events are being held across the country – here’s a list of those happening in the Maritimes: New Brunswick events ‘Like Christmas for Acadians’ Le Pays de la Sagouine, an Acadian tourist attraction in Bouctouche, will also be hosting free daytime events. Artistic director Monique Poirier says this time of year is “like Christmas for Acadians.” “It’s a big, big day, everywhere in Acadie (Saturday) is huge… we have a full day of programming, all of our artists are on board, we have said that Le Pays de la Sagouine has about 30 professional artists, actors, musicians, so they are all on stage, on site – lots of stuff going on,” she told Your Morning Atlantic’s Crystal Garrett. A tintamarre will take place at 2:30 p.m. Poirier says about 2,000 people typically take part in the joyful, and usually loud, parade. Nova Scotia events The province’s minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie is encouraging all Nova Scotians to join in the celebrations. “On this day, Acadians celebrate their culture, language and shared history. It’s a day marked by colourful community festivals and family events that bring Acadian culture to life,” says Colton LeBlanc. “In Nova Scotia, Acadie is strong and evolving. Across generations, in our homes and communities, we’ve built a culture rooted in the French language, heritage and connection. We honour our past while looking ahead with confidence.” Prince Edward Island events The Island proclaimed August as Acadian Heritage Month in 2025. This year, eight community organizations each received $3,500 to support their events through the new Acadian Heritage Month Fund. “Proclaiming August as their month and providing financial support to eight incredible Island community organizations to deliver these fun, family-friendly activities across our province is something we are so proud to do to ensure everyone can experience what makes this community so wonderful,” said Acadian and Francophone Affairs Minister Zack Bell.
