Annual Francophone celebration expected to draw hundreds to city centre on March 18
Prince Albert’s downtown core will see temporary traffic restrictions and transit disruptions next week as the city prepares to host the annual Tintamarre parade, a celebration of Francophone culture and language that is expected to draw hundreds of participants.
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, when approximately 500 students, teachers and community members will gather outside Prince Albert City Hall before marching through nearby streets in a lively display of music and noisemakers.
City officials say motorists and transit riders should expect traffic control measures throughout the morning as the parade moves through key downtown corridors.
“The annual Tintamarre parade and celebration of Francophone culture and language will take place Wednesday, March 18 in downtown Prince Albert.”
Tintamarre is a traditional Acadian celebration that encourages participants to make noise with horns, rattles and other instruments as a way of celebrating Francophone identity and community pride. In Prince Albert, the annual event has become a fixture on the local cultural calendar, drawing students and residents together in a colourful and energetic parade.
This year’s gathering will begin in front of City Hall, where participants will assemble before starting the march at 10 a.m.
“Expect to hear horns, rattlers, and noisemakers in the downtown area the morning of March 18 as approximately 500 students, teachers, and community members gather outside Prince Albert City Hall.”
According to organizers, the group will follow a route that begins on 11 Street West, moving from City Hall toward Scarrow Park as part of the celebration.
“Starting at 10 a.m., the group will march along 11 Street West, from City Hall to Scarrow Park in festive celebration. The parade will then return past City Hall and along Central Avenue toward Plaza 88 before dispersing around Noon.”
To accommodate the parade and ensure public safety, the City of Prince Albert will temporarily close several roads and restrict parking along sections of the parade route.
“The following parking restrictions and traffic controls will be in place throughout the morning for Tintamarre. Drivers are advised to watch for directional signage when visiting downtown.”
Traffic access will be limited along parts of Central Avenue and 11 Street West during the event. City officials say the measures are intended to create a safe corridor for parade participants and spectators.
“No access to Central Avenue from 9 Street East to 11 Street East
No parking along Central Avenue from 9 Street East to 11 Street East
No access on 11 Street West, from Central Avenue to 1 Avenue West
No parking along 11 Street West from Central Avenue to 1 Avenue West”
Drivers travelling through the downtown area Wednesday morning are encouraged to plan ahead and allow additional travel time. The city also recommends following posted signage and directions from traffic control personnel while the event is underway.
Public transit service will also be temporarily affected during the parade period.
“Transit will be rerouted during Tintamarre.”
As part of the adjustments, several downtown transit stops will be unavailable for part of the morning while the parade route is active.
“The transit stops in front of City Hall on Central Avenue, along with the transit stop at McIntosh Mall, will be unavailable during the morning of March 18.”
City officials say riders can stay informed about service updates through Prince Albert Transit’s online tools, including real-time bus tracking.
“For additional updates about transit routes and schedules, please visit Prince Albert Transit and follow TransitLive to track your bus in real time.”
Municipal officials say the annual parade not only celebrates Francophone culture but also brings students and community members together in a public demonstration of linguistic pride and cultural expression.
While the event will create short-term traffic interruptions, the city expects normal traffic patterns to resume shortly after the parade concludes around midday.
Residents and visitors in the downtown area are encouraged to watch for increased pedestrian activity and parade participants throughout the morning as Prince Albert marks another year of the vibrant Tintamarre tradition.