The nonprofit Montréal en Fêtes, which organizes the fireworks display, announced in November that it was canceling its free winter activities for financial reasons.
This text is partially translated from an article from CTV News.
In previous years, these activities included a New Year's Eve party in the Old Port with live entertainment and a breathtaking fireworks display.
“The COVID-19 pandemic, production cost inflation, challenges related to the winter holiday season, and public and private financing issues drove this decision and marked the end of an era of celebrations and free large-scale events in December,” Montreal said in a statement en Fêtes was released last month.
Starting in 2013, the organization organized free activities throughout December, attracting tens of thousands of people to the Old Port and Place Jacques-Cartier.
The first disruption occurred in 2022, when Montréal en Fêtes announced that it would temporarily pause its operations to meet with its partners and “update its financing.”
This is the second year in a row that Montrealers have missed the New Year's fireworks display, and this time the non-profit organization is closing its doors for good.
Montréal en Fêtes receives funding from various sources, including the City of Montréal and Tourisme Montréal.
However, Montrealers can turn to the Great Christmas Market at Place des Festivals. A number of activities are planned there this Sunday, including shows, food and open bars.
With information from Juliette Poireau, Noovo Info.