The Opening Festival invites folks of all ages to welcome the arrival of CMA 2024 in Southwestern Nova Scotia with Acadian spirit. Beginning at 1:00pm, attendees will experience an eclectic mix of activities – music, food, children’s games, poetry and theatre performances, and interactive installations, among others – on the ‘festival grounds’ of the Université Saint-Anne campus.
The daytime programming also includes the Baz’art, a special vendor's market organized in partnership with the Conseil des arts de la Baiehighlighting dozens of the region’s talented artists and artisans. Since no Acadian party is complete without music, the afternoon caps off with a high-energy performance from Les Amis du Teche, an up-and-coming Cajun party band from Louisiana.
At 7:00pm, the party continues as the Opening Festival presents an exciting concert featuring some of l’Acadie’s most notable contemporary artists. The show opens with performances by Par-en-Bas troubadour Jacques Surette, rising star country artist Vickie Deveau, and award-winning songwriter Sylvie Boulianne – all backed by a house band featuring members of P’tit Belliveau, Peanut Butter Sunday, and Maggie Savoie’s bands. Following these acts, heralded indie-folk trio Les Hay Babies co-headline the concert with veritable Acajonne superstar P’tit Belliveau, who has prepared a special show just for CMA 2024 featuring a slew of surprise guests.
This list of exceptional Acadian artists provides a first look at CMA 2024’s musical programming.
“I have had the privilege of participating in each Congrès mondial acadien, and it is with great honor and pride that we unveil the programming for this Opening Festival - a day full of joy and conviviality bringing together the Acadian diaspora for the official launch of the Congrès mondial acadien 2024 ,” says Julie Frigault, artistic co-director of the Opening Festival. “Through this programming, we really wanted to highlight what's happening right now in l’Acadie and demonstrate how vibrant our culture, music, and community truly is.”
“We focused on presenting a stellar mix of emerging artists to show how – across the world – a young generation of artists is promoting and preserving Acadian culture in their own way,” says Jacques Blinn, co-artistic director of the Opening Festival. “Coupled with a full day of activities that give people the chance to gather, catch up, and share their enthusiasm, we planned an event for the whole family that pays a nod to the many festivals I grew up attending all while setting the stage for a truly unforgettable CMA!”
More details about the Opening Festival, and further announcements about CMA 2024’s programming in general, will be announced in the coming months.
MORE NEWS FROM CMA 2024 – QUICK HITS
WOMEN’S SUMMIT – PRE-REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Pre-registration is now open for the 2024 Women’s Summit (Sommet des femmes): https://cma2024.ca/en/program/womenssummit
Presenting as its theme Strength is in our roots; from exhaustion to fulfillment, the Women’s Summit takes place in a variety of locations throughout Southwestern Nova Scotia from August 13-15.
A first glance at the programming set to be offered during CMA 2024 is as follows:
Tuesday, August 13
A day dedicated to strengthening the confidence and financial knowledge of women. Beginning at 1:00 p.m., the program offers solutions and strategies for overcoming financial insecurities through an enriching conference, workshops and a round table introducing diverse, inspiring women, young and old. Followed by a meal and an interactive and fun evening.
Wednesday, August 14
Starting at 9:30 a.m., discover your potential during an inspiring day focused on stress management and emotional, physical and mental balance for a healthier life. Come listen to and meet diverse, inspiring women, young and old, who will reignite a spark in you through moments of joy and laughter, underscored by meaningful discussion.
Thursday, August 15
Celebrate Acadian National Day with an exceptional morning full of festivities, including a square dance!
Please note that all sessions during the Women's Summit are presented in collaboration with the Fédération des femmes acadiennes de la Nouvelle-Écosse (FFANE) and will be held in French.
Full details about the Women’s Summit, including keynote speakers, presenters, and locations, will be announced in March.
L’ÉCHANGE - PRE-REGISTRATIONS CLOSING SOON
After being launched in early January, pre-registrations for l’Échange come to a close on March 01.
Taking place from August 13-15, l'Échange offers three days of direct interaction with thousands of local and international visitors acting as the main meeting place within CMA 2024. Exciting and eclectic programming on site over these three days also helps to attract a diverse group of consumers of all ages, giving vendors and exhibitors the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of new customers.
Prospective participants can express their interest by submitting their pre-registration here: https://cma2024.ca/en/program/lechange
Please note that this is only a pre-registration and does not guarantee a spot at l’Échange. Given the volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted.
FAMILY REUNIONS – OVER 50 CONFIRMED!
The Congrès mondial acadien 2024 is very excited to welcome 51 familieswho will participate in 34 official family reunions during the week of August 10-18. Very impressive engagement from the community!
To see a full list of confirmed Family Reunions and their corresponding details, visit the CMA 2024 website : https://cma2024.ca/fr/reunions-de-famille/informations-pour-les-participants
MEDIA ACCREDITATION OPENS THIS SPRING
Media outlets seeking to apply for media accreditation to cover the Congrès mondial acadien 2024 will be invited to submit their expression of interest this Spring. If you would like to discuss this process or receive more information about accreditation in general, please email
The Congrès mondial acadien 2024 recognizes the financial contribution of the Government of Canada, the province of Nova Scotia, and the municipalities of Clare and Argyle.