The unmistakable sound of tintamarre—the joyful noise-making tradition where Acadians bang pots, blow horns, and rattle anything that makes sound—has long been the heartbeat of National Acadian Day celebrations. But for some New Brunswickers, this cherished tradition poses significant challenges.
This year, a thoughtful innovation is changing the game. The “Quiet Quinzou” initiative, launched in Moncton, offers neurodivergent people and those with sensory sensitivities a way to participate in the cultural festivities without overwhelming sensory experiences.
“We want everyone to feel like they can celebrate their Acadian heritage,” explains Marie Arsenault, one of the organizers behind the initiative. “For many families, the traditional celebrations were simply not accessible because of the noise levels.”
The program includes designated quiet zones at major celebration sites, sensory-friendly performance schedules, and alternative activities that capture the spirit of Acadian pride without the sensory overload.
New Brunswick has approximately 8,000 residents on the autism spectrum alone, according to provincial health statistics. When accounting for other neurodivergent conditions and sensory processing disorders, the number of people who might benefit from such accommodations grows significantly.
For the Cormier family of Dieppe, the initiative means their 12-year-old son Lucas can participate for the first time. “We’ve always wanted him to connect with his Acadian roots, but the regular celebrations were just too overwhelming,” says Jacqueline Cormier. “Last year we tried, but had to leave within minutes. The quiet activities this year mean he can finally be part of the community celebration.”
Local businesses have joined the effort too. Café Acadie on Main Street has created a sensory-friendly space with dimmed lighting, noise-cancelling headphones available for borrowing, and traditional Acadian food served in a calm environment.
This grassroots initiative reflects a broader shift in how cultural events are approaching accessibility. Similar programs have emerged in other provinces, but New Brunswick’s Acadian communities are leading with particularly innovative approaches to inclusion.
Dr. Nicole LeBlanc, a developmental psychologist at the University of Moncton, sees significant value in these adaptations. “Cultural connection is fundamental to well-being. When we make celebrations accessible, we’re saying everyone belongs in our cultural story,” she notes. “These aren’t just accommodations—they’re invitations to full citizenship.”
The provincial government has taken notice as well. In a statement to local media, New Brunswick’s Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture expressed support for the initiative and suggested it could become a model for other cultural celebrations across the province.
The initiative doesn’t aim to replace traditional celebrations—the boisterous tintamarre will still march through towns across the province on August 15th. Instead, it creates parallel opportunities that maintain the spirit while adapting the experience.
At Moncton’s Centennial Park, organizers have created a schedule that includes a “gentle tintamarre” with soft instruments, storytelling sessions about Acadian history, and craft activities featuring the iconic red, white, and blue of the Acadian flag.
“We’re not watering down the culture,” insists Georges Belliveau, a local Acadian historian involved with the project. “We’re expanding who gets to experience it. The heart of l’Acadie isn’t just in the noise—it’s in the solidarity, the pride, and the resilience of our people.”
The response has surprised even the organizers. What began as a small pilot project has grown as families from across the province have expressed interest in attending. Some are traveling several hours to participate.
For many, the initiative represents more than just a chance to celebrate—it’s a meaningful acknowledgment of their needs. “When you’ve spent years watching celebrations from a distance, being explicitly included feels revolutionary,” explains Sara Richard, whose teenage daughter has sensory processing challenges.
Community organizations serving neurodivergent populations have helped shape the programming. Their input ensured that accommodations went beyond just noise reduction to include considerations like crowd management, clear signage, designated quiet spaces, and trained volunteers who understand how to support participants who might become overwhelmed.
As New Brunswick continues to evolve its approach to cultural celebrations, the Quiet Quinzou stands as a reminder that tradition and inclusion aren’t opposing values. Rather, they can strengthen each other when communities are willing to innovate.
For little Lucas Cormier and hundreds of others, this August 15th won’t just be another Acadian Day—it will be their first real chance to feel the pride of their heritage without the barriers that once kept them at home.
And that might be something worth making noise about—even if it’s a gentler kind.
