[1] That year, Bonhomme Carnaval, the mascot of the festival, made his first appearance.

[5] The most famous attractions of this winter festival are the night-time and daytime parades led by mascot Bonhomme Carnaval.

The parades wind through the upper city, decorated for the occasion with lights and ice sculptures.

Numerous public and private parties, shows and balls are held across the city, some of them outside in the bitter cold, a testimony to the Québécois' fabled joie de vivre.

Other major events include: Outdoor dance parties are held at the Ice Palaces.