The Martlet

All things French were celebrated during the 11th annual Festival de la francophonie put on by La Société francophone de Victoria from March 13-16 in Market Square.

The first two days were directed toward French immersion students. The weekend was for the public.

“It’s a way to celebrate francophone culture from around the

world,” said Angie Thielmann, assistant cultural coordinator for the event. “We want people to come here and just hang out outside, have a beer and read a book with free music in the background.”

On Saturday afternoon the lively world music beats of Blue Morocco had the audience dancing and clapping along. The band’s Algerianborn frontman played a mandole (a traditional Algerian guitar) and sung in French, English and Arabic.

The six-piece ensemble created a buzz that left everyone smiling.

Tables with French cultural items were bustling with the crowd. Films, books and CDs from Quebec and France were available in one area, while artisans sold blown glass,

handmade wooden boxes, photographs and jewelry in another.

“Ideally, we want to get francophone artists and stuff — we want to promote that,” said Theilmann, adding everyone can participate.

But the food drew the crowd. Gallon jugs of maple syrup were for sale and Café Vieux Montreal was selling pâté, crepes and smoked meat sandwiches. Their butternut squash, maple syrup and garlic soup was a taste treat, with the maple syrup providing just a hint of sweetness without being

overbearing.

But it was the tire d’érable that stole the culinary show. A traditional Québécois treat, this maple taffy is made by boiling maple syrup and pouring it over snow — or in this

case, shaved ice. When the syrup hardens slightly, it’s rolled up with a stick and eaten like a Popsicle. The

fi nished produce is sweet and sticky, and more than a little messy.

One surprise: the beer garden selling Phillips beer was virtually empty, though it was only 12:30 p.m.

This was only the second year the French Fest has been held at Market Square. Theilmann hopes the single venue will create a sense of excitement for the event.

“A lot of people have mentioned that with Folk Fest not going on anymore, there’s not really a festival in Victoria right now. And so it would be great to fill a gap that

might exist,” she said. “I mean, who doesn’t like a festival?”