Fifty Years of Franco-Ontarien Festival

The stage lights flicker on as the crowd begins to gather, young voices mixing with the chatter of old friends reunited. Flags ripple in the breeze. Somewhere, an accordion hums to life. There’s a sense of celebration in the air, not just of music, but of identity, language, and community.  

“It’s basically the expression of a culture,” says José Bertrand, Executive Director of the Franco-Ontarien Festival. “And the pride to be Francophone in Ontario.” 

This year marks the festival’s 50th edition, a milestone that reflects the strength and continuity of Franco-Ontarian identity. For Bertrand, the longevity of the festival speaks volumes. “The fact that it has lasted this long with the community behind it shows just how strong and alive this culture is,” he says. “It has evolved over the decades alongside Franco-Ontarian society.” 

Bertrand describes the festival as a space where people feel seen and connected. “It’s a feeling of belonging, which is really important,” he says. “It’s feeling that we’re not alone. Feeling that we have the same reality. We’re confronted with the same challenges, the same beautiful moments.” 

He points to the Franco-Ontarian anthem as a powerful example of cultural continuity. “It’s a true reflection of what a culture can do, what a community can do,” he says. 

Music is central to the festival’s experience. “The lineup has a wide range of genres, designed to reach different audiences,” Bertrand notes.  

The festival has built a loyal following since the seventies, many of whom still attend. But attracting younger crowds remains an ongoing challenge. Over the past five years, one of the main festival goals has been to attract a younger audience given that the majority of the festival’s legacy audience is over 50.  

 To do that, they have partnered with local schools. 

“For the first time, we've involved schools,” he says. “Kids were asked to select what artists they like so we could pick from that.” 

Bertrand says it is critical that young people feel the same sense of belonging as the legacy guests have felt over the past 50 years.  

“We want them to come back and bring their kids, like we’ve seen over past decades,” he says.  

The Franco-Ontarien Festival takes place at Major’s Hill Park, right in the heart of Ottawa. Bertrand wants people to know that the festival is meant for everyone. It is also a great opportunity for people, like myself, who have learned the French language but don’t have the opportunity to mix and mingle with the culture in our daily life.  

“This is the perfect festival for it,” he says. “Because you're going to listen to French music, and then you could interact with people who do speak English anyway and would be proud to see somebody Francophile to come and discover music to extend their language.” 

Today is the last day to take advantage of the pre- festival ticket prices, because once the festival starts the prices increase. So, head to the Franco-Ontarien Festival website to get them now!  

To learn more about the festival, check out their website and follow them on social media: @festivalfranco.