When a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event is set to happen right above our home, we’re definitely not going to miss the chance to see it. Such a grandiose happening called for an equally grand celebration, so we joined thousands of Montrealers in the Old Port, right in front of the Montreal Science Center to watch the eclipse go by.
And so, we packed up our gear and sent our team down, alongside two Cirque du Soleil artists, to meet up with the crowd and entertain them before the moment of totality!
A Lot of Prep Work Went Into the Event
We teamed up with Montreal Science Center to create a truly magical viewing experience. Expecting an enormous turnout, their team had planned ahead and set up the grounds in front of the Center to welcome thousands of people at once. Tents were sprinkled around the area, alongside a coffee truck and educators were present for all the gathered families to enjoy and learn from.
As Emily Haim, who made this partnership happen, puts it “ It was such an exhilarating moment to share with our fellow Montrealers in the Old Port. Working with Centre des Sciences, got me pumped up for the eclipse. Together, we were able to make so many people enjoy the eclipse safely and made the whole ordeal a true celestial event they’ll remember for years to come.”
We also had with us Maryse Gosselin, Specialist – Makeup, to bring the characters to life through her artistry. Maryse has been with Cirque du Soleil for many years and created some of the most iconic looks you have seen on stage.
Safety First!
How do you protect the sight of thousands of people from the nefarious effects of the eclipse? Montreal Science Centre had specially-made solar glasses that were distributed to all attendees who didn’t bring their own. In total, 20,000 pairs were given away – WOW!
Cirque du Soleil also contributed a pair of oversized solar glasses for the occasion. The biggest pair in Quebec was on display, pointed precisely towards the sun, for everyone to look through and take pictures with.
Street Performances Like in the Good Old Days
There’s nothing quite like the energy of the crowd to fuel a performer! Our dynamic duo composed of Bekka and Kyran took on the appearance of KURIOS characters and stepped out to entertain the eclipse spectators before the sun started to wane.
For the occasion, juggling and hand to hand were on the menu! Our performers had a blast meeting the people on King Edward Quay and watch the eclipse themselves. As Kyran told us: “Everyone was in such a good mood, and it was contagious. The day was beautiful, and it was nice to see people being joyful with their families, ready to witness history!”
On her part, Bekka also had a memorable time in the Old Port: “I was surprised by how emotional it was during the actual eclipse. Leading up to it I was looking forward to it, but I wasn’t that hyped up. But when I started seeing it, I got really excited!"
And what a hype it was! The crowd was thunderous before totality, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be amongst the sea of people cheering together. As the sun started to disappear, everyone got quiet to witness the historic event and reflect on the celestial happening they were totally enjoying.
Truly, the event was a triumph we’ll remember until the next total solar eclipse!