Article
Statement

A Memorable Evening at La Maisonnée:

A Look Back at the 2024

20 December 2024

A Memorable Evening at La Maisonnée:

On Friday, December 13, 2024, La Maisonnée d’aide aux immigrants organized, as it does every year, an unforgettable evening to celebrate cultural diversity and offer families who have recently arrived in Quebec a true immersion in local traditions. The 2024 Intercultural Festival brought together guests from all walks of life for a moment of sharing, music, dancing and conviviality. This celebration not only marked the end of 2024, but also helped strengthen ties between the different communities of Montreal.

A warm welcome for all guests

Starting at 6:30 p.m., guests were greeted in a festive atmosphere, with background music creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. The General Manager of La Maisonnée and the Chairman of the Board of Directors spoke to welcome all participants. They praised the diversity and importance of this event for immigrant families, many of whom were celebrating their first intercultural celebration in Quebec. It was a wonderful moment of sharing and inclusion, with the presence of guest personalities, including Alexandre Boulerice, Member of Parliament for Rosemont – La Petite-Patrie, who gave a speech full of meaning and kindness, to show his gratitude to newcomers who contribute to making Quebec better by getting involved from the moment they arrive, while emphasizing the benefits and importance of this event organized by La Maisonnée each year.

A menu rich in flavors from around the world

The intercultural meal was a true feast, highlighting the different cultures represented in the community. Guests were treated to delicious dishes ranging from halal lamb to delicious pastries such as sfouf and namoura. The carefully prepared dishes allowed everyone to discover different flavors of the world while savoring cultural specialties. The menu included dishes such as three cheese rolls, mini shish taouk sandwiches, meat kibbe balls, chicken and meat samboussac, and vegetarian stuffed vine leaves. All of this was accompanied by coffee, soft drinks, water, and fruits. This meal was much more than just a gastronomic moment, it allowed participants to travel across cultures while sharing a moment of unity.

A captivating cultural program

The evening continued with a series of shows that livened up the party. At 7:20 p.m., the group Les Danseux captivated the audience with traditional Quebec dances and music, inviting young and old to join in the dancing and celebrate Quebec’s cultural roots. The atmosphere then continued with a magnificent jazz show by the Trio Altered Tones, which brought an elegant touch to this festive evening, creating a perfect musical backdrop for the intercultural meal.
The audience was then treated to a dynamic show by Kizaba, accompanied by young talents who led a children’s music workshop, allowing everyone to actively participate in this lively evening. The stage was transformed into a dance and music space with the Mafa Studio Danse team, offering a vibrant performance that had the entire room dancing. We were also treated to a surprise moment of sharing from Lucas Kabongo, an employee at La Maisonnée, and his talent as an entertainer, to close the show.

A special moment for the children

At 9:30 p.m., La Maisonnée offered gifts to all the children present, bringing them smiles and joy during this holiday season. This symbolic gesture ended the evening on a note of generosity, creating lasting memories for the youngest, who will remember this beautiful moment for a long time.

An evening made possible through solidarity

The 2024 Intercultural Festival was a resounding success, thanks to the exceptional collaboration of the many partners and volunteers who contributed to its realization. We would like to once again offer a big thank you to Desjardins, whose financial support was essential to the success of this event. We also thank Amazon and Centraide for their generous contributions. Finally, La Maisonnée would like to express its gratitude to all the guests and to the presence of Mr. Boulerice, who helped make this evening special. The active participation of the Danseux, the Trio Altered Tones, Kizaba, Mafa Studio Danse, as well as the volunteers and collaborators of La Maisonnée, helped create a festive and warm atmosphere that made this evening an unforgettable moment.

A big thank you to all those who made this party possible!

La Maisonnée would like to sincerely thank its customers, volunteers, collaborators, as well as all the members of the team for their unwavering commitment and warm presence. They are the ones who make each event a success and who contribute to the well-being and integration of immigrant families in our beautiful community.
Discover the memories of the evening: You can relive the highlights of this evening by viewing the photos and videos available on the front page of the Instagram event.

By Inès Bouteiller, Communications Manager