Black and Blue Festival
 | This article needs to be updated. (November 2023) |
| Black & Blue Festival | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Electronic dance music, techno, etc. |
| Dates | Canadian Thanksgiving weekend |
| Location(s) | Montreal |
| Years active | 1991-2022 |
| Founders | Bad Boy Club Montréal |
| Attendance | 70,000 (2010) |
| Website | Black and Blue Festival Official Website |
The Black & Blue Festival was an event that took place in Montreal, Canada, as it helped Canadian Thanksgiving weekend to raise money for HIV/AIDS charities and the LGBTQ+ community in Montreal.[1] The festival was organized by the Bad Boy Club Montréal and featured electronic DJs, dance performances, street art, and circus acts.[2] The festival was last held from 6-10 October 2022. In 2023, organizers announced that the event would not be held for logistical and financial reasons.[3]
History
[edit]The Black & Blue Festival is an annual event that began in 1991 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Initially conceived as a fundraiser for [AIDS Community Care Montreal], the festival attracted 800 attendees in its first year and raised $3,500. Over the years, the festival grew into a significant cultural event, becoming one of the largest of its kind in the city and a major fixture in Montreal's LGBTQ+ community.
Growth and Impact
From its modest beginnings, the festival expanded rapidly, drawing larger crowds and increasing its charitable contributions. By 2010, the festival had reached its peak, with an impressive attendance of 70,000 people. Over the course of its history, the event raised approximately $1.4 million, which was distributed to various AIDS support organizations and LGBTQ+ community groups in Montreal. The festival's contributions have played a crucial role in supporting the city's LGBTQ+ community and advancing AIDS awareness and support efforts.
The festival also became known for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring a mix of music, art, and cultural activities that celebrated diversity and inclusivity. It provided a platform for local and international artists and performers, contributing to Montreal's reputation as a hub for cultural expression and LGBTQ+ rights.
Challenges and Cancellation
Despite its success, the festival faced challenges in recent years. On 1 August 2023, the [Bad Boy Club Montréal Foundation], the organization responsible for the event, announced the cancellation of the 2023 festival. The announcement was a significant blow to the community, as the festival had become a beloved tradition in Montreal. The reasons for the cancellation were not fully disclosed, but it was speculated that financial difficulties, logistical challenges, and changing social dynamics may have played a role.
As of 1 July 2024, there have been no new updates regarding the future of the festival. The community awaits further information on whether the event will be revived in the coming years or if it will remain a part of Montreal's history.
Legacy
The Black & Blue Festival leaves behind a legacy of philanthropy, cultural celebration, and community solidarity. Even in its absence, the impact of the festival continues to be felt in the organizations it supported and the lives it touched. The festival's history is a testament to the power of community-driven events in fostering inclusivity, raising awareness, and supporting vital causes.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Burnett, Richard (2017-09-29). "Black & Blue Festival and Carnaval des Couleurs". Tourisme Montréal. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
- ^ "Black & Blue". BBCM Foundation. Retrieved 2024-04-30.
- ^ "The Black & Blue Festival and the Carnival of Colors of Montreal 2023 bow out". BBCM Foundation. 2023-08-01. Retrieved 2024-07-02.
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