The Coldest Carnival|最冷的嘉年华会：魁北克冬季嘉年华

The Coldest Carnival

最冷的嘉年华会：魁北克冬季嘉年华

by Marcus Maurice

Just because it's freezing cold outside doesn't mean that people can't have a party.

外面虽然冷飕飕，但不表示人们不能狂欢。

Towards the end of January or the beginning of February, all eyes turn towards two big festivals that capture the world's imagination—Carnival in Rio de Janeiro and Mardi Gras in New Orleans. These celebrations are notorious for their revelry before the Christian holiday of Lent, but do you know what the third biggest celebration in the world is? The Quebec Carnival has been going strong since it officially started in 1955 even though it was often celebrated sporadically before then. Unlike Carnival and Mardi Gras, where temperatures are warmer than those in Canada, the Quebec Carnival celebrates winter activities like skiing and snowboarding, while having snow sculpture contests and dogsled racing and agility competitions.

The official ambassador for the festivities is Bonhomme, a snowman that has a red cap and a sash around his waist to keep the cold from creeping in. All festival-goers play red toy trumpets while moving and dancing to the beat during the parade held at night because it's the best way to keep warm. Bonhomme is usually accompanied by his knights, the Knuks. These playful and joyous men look like court jesters and have the ability to bring out the kid in anyone.

The 2010 Quebec Winter Carnival from January 29 to February 14 promises to be the biggest ever, with fun for all ages. The opening ceremony begins with a dance party on an ice rink and is sure to include a spectacular fireworks display. Other can't-miss events are the pancake breakfast, the soapbox derby, and the canoe race. This year, make sure to grab your red hat and sash and head to Quebec for an unforgettable experience in the snow.

1.  What does the Quebec Carnival celebrate?

(A) The end of the year.

(B) The biggest snowman in the world.

(C) The combination of Carnival and Mardi Gras.

(D) Things that are fun to do when it's cold outside.

2.  What is NOT an activity that visitors do at the Quebec Carnival?

(A) Attend the soap-making competition.

(B) Dance on an ice rink.

(C) Race specially-raised dogs.

(D) Sculpt statues out of snow or ice.

3.  What does the phrase bring out the kid in the second paragraph mean?

(A) Allow children to participate in the event for free.

(B) Let parents take their kids with them.

(C) Make you feel young again.

(D) Have children compete with each other.

4.  In the article, at the night parade, _____.

(A) most people go home early because it is too cold

(B) many people keep warm by dancing and playing a toy trumpet

(C) dogs pull some of the floats

(D) fireworks are shot into the air

　　每到 1 月底或 2 月初时，所有人的目光都会转向巴西里约热内卢嘉年华和纽奥良狂欢节这两个让全球着迷的大节日。这些庆祝活动都以在基督教节日四旬斋前，举办放肆狂欢的活动而鼎鼎有名，但你知道全世界第三大的庆祝活动是什么吗？虽然之前曾零星庆祝过几次，魁北克嘉年华从 1955 年正式举行以来就越来越盛行。加拿大的温度不像嘉年华和狂欢节举办的地方那般温暖，因此魁北克嘉年华的庆祝方式多为冬季活动，像是滑雪和滑板滑雪，以及举行冰雕比赛、狗拉雪橇及灵敏度竞赛。

　　此节庆的官方亲善大使是 Bonhomme，它是位头戴红帽、系着腰带防寒的雪人。在晚上的游行活动中，所有参加节庆的人会一边随着节奏行进、跳舞，一边吹着红色玩具喇叭，因为这是保暖的最佳方法。Bonhomme通常由一群被称做 the Knuks 的侍从簇拥着。这些嘻闹开心的人就像是宫廷小丑一般，能让任何人童心大起。

　　2010 年的魁北克冬季嘉年华将从 1 月 29 号持续到 2 月 14 号，保证会是有史以来最盛大、不分老幼都能同乐的庆祝活动。开幕典礼将以溜冰场上的舞会揭幕，而且一定会有炫丽壮观的烟火秀。其他不容错过的活动还有煎饼早餐、肥皂箱赛车及划独木舟比赛。今年请务必抓起你的红帽和腰带前往魁北克，在雪地里体验一场难忘的活动。

标准答案: 1. (D)　2. (A)　3. (C)　4. (B)

For Your Information

为雪人 Bonhomme 建造的冰宫，是魁北克嘉年华重要的标志，每年设计具有不同创意，周边的冰雕各有特色。

魁北克于 1955 年的冬季嘉年华，首度在杰克卡迪儿（Jacques-Cartier）广场推出冰宫，当时冰宫还特别雕塑了一座监牢，监禁不向雪人致敬的游客，以开玩笑的方式，来增加冰宫的趣味。

之后每年的冰宫各有主题，而且展示的地点也有所变动。每次冰宫约使用 9,000 吨以上的冰雪建造大门，造型均由设计师规画，整座宫殿规模壮观，大致宽 50 公尺、深 20 公尺、高 20 公尺，每次总需要 15名工人连续工作两个月以上，总造价达 65,000 加币以上，另再耗费 20,000 加币做为灯光、声效花费。（数据源：联合新闻网）