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Bonhomme
< Fr bon homme 'good man'
DCHP-3.1 (Feb 2026)
Spelling variants:bonhomme, the bonhomme, Bonhomme Carnaval
n. — Entertainment, Quebec, English-French Relations
the Quebec City winter-carnival mascot.
Type: 4. Culturally Significant — Bonhomme has been the mascot of the City of Quebec winter festival since 1955 (see the 2026 quotation). The festival organizers claim that "Bonhomme embodies the joie de vivre of Quebecers". Originally created as a "comical figure" to represent the winter celebrations, Bonhomme Carnaval continues to be "the ambassador to the festivities" (see Canadian Encyclopedia, s.v. "Winter Festivals" reference).
Quotations
1955
Bonhomme Carnaval, the symbolic snowman, came to life today officially to open the 45-day Carnaval d'Hiver De Quebec, Quebec winter carnival, with a stirring harangue and a six-mile parade.
1963
Bonhomme Carnaval returned to Quebec tonight none the worse for his kidnapping by University of Montreal students 24 hours earlier. The Bonhomme--7-foot tall snowman who symbolizes Quebec City's February winter carnival [which] includes events ranging from snowshoe derbies, outdoor dancing, parades, and ice-canoe races to formal balls.
1964
The appearance here of the Bonhomme in Charlottetown was a symbol of the good will expressed by Quebec to us all as we begin our Centennial Year.
1979
Tonight the bonhomme will lead floats and marching bands through the streets of Quebec City as the famous winter celebration, carnaval comes to a close. The parade lasts about 45 minutes from the bonhomme’s float to the carnival queen so if you plan to watch it, dress warmly. The crowds will be lined up about four people deep along the route (from Laval University along St. Cyrille, to Dufferin and then the Grand-Allee) so you’ll have to come a bit early to get a good spot.
2006
In the land of the ceinture fléchée -- the colourful sash of 19th-century French Canadians that lives on in folklore, festivals and Bonhomme Carnaval -- Bryant Johnson's Scottish kilt shop sells a culture that seems foreign at first glance.
References
- The Canadian Encyclopedia • s.v. "Winter Festivals"
Images
Image 1: Bonhomme Carnaval (Photo: Boréal, Wikimedia Commons)
