Manny and old Busker
Walking around old Quebec, you can experience a unique world of art and entertainment without ever stepping inside a museum or entering a dark theatre.
As we meandered through the winding streets, we came upon the Mural of Quebecers, a huge fresco which told the 400 year history of Quebec in the trompe-l’oeil style. A guitar player performing on the street is prominently featured in the Mural of Quebecers.
“Buskerfests” are Festivals of Buskers, and they are popular all over the United States and Canada. Worthy of mention are the Toronto Busker Fest in Toronto, Ontario, the Long Beach Busker Fest in Long Beach, California, the Lawrence Busker Fest in Lawrence, Kansas, the Sault St. Marie Busker Fest in Sault St. Marie, Ontario, the Fort Wayne Busker Fest in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Downtown Dundas Busker Fest in Dundas, Ontario, the Niagara Falls Busker Fest in Niagara Falls, Ontario and most importantly, the Halifax Busker Fest in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Around almost every corner another talented street performer, from musicians to living statues, would appear to entertain the strolling passersby. We were surprised to discover that the origin of the word “busker” is from the Spanish, “buscar“, to seek one’s fortune. What a slow route to wealth when the price of admission is simply a tip.
The pièce de résistance came as dusk descended on Vieux Quebec. In true Busker fashion, Patto & Julie, a handsome Argentinian couple, slowly and adeptly drew a curious crowd that was mesmerized by their death defying act, the “ciRcO LOcO“.
We continue learning with every stop along the way, that a place truly is about its extraordinary people.
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