| abstract | - Le Bonhomme (literally "good man" in French; short for bonhomme de neige "snowman") is a 7-foot snowman who rules a ruthless reign of festivity over “le Carnaval de Québec” in Québec City, since it began in 1955. Beyond ruthless, he is certainly shameless and belligerent as he strolls through town sporting nothing except a red cap, black buttons and a ceinture fléchée. This may be the result of his only source of nourishment: a peculiar hot French-Canadian alcoholic substance called “Caribou”. Le Bonhomme is also a bona fide pimp as you will often see him with the Queen of the carnival and the six duchesses. Le Bonhomme lives in a magical ice palace that was originally built in Jacques-Cartier Square in 1955. His palace was later moved opposite of the Québec Parliament in 1973, with the likely motive to influence local politics in his favour. The impressive ice construction even has a dungeon, used to jail Carnival-goers who refused to honour Le Bonhomme's effigy. Le Bonhomme’s territory was divided into dukedom’s many years ago. Now, every region that participates in the carnival is assigned as a Bonhomrie or a 'good natured' county. The mandate of Le Bonhomme is to rule over festivities and to strictly enforce laughter, dancing and 'la joie de vivre'. He participates in most activities at the festival including the crowning of the Queen of the carnival, le 'defile' and general debauchery. Le Bonhomme dances, chats and extorts cheer from anyone of any age. Le Bonhomme gains political points by visiting the local sick people in hospitals and the elderly to share his 'friendliness' and the spirit of the festival. Sure, ask the people who spent time in his dungeon about his 'friendliness'.
|
