Originally from Rwanda and born in Burundi, Michel Mpambara immigrated to Quebec in 1990. Known for his distinctive voice as a comedian, he captivates audiences with self-deprecating stories about his integration into Quebec society, his discovery of North American life, and his misadventures inspired by popular culture. His engaged yet unifying humor has often drawn comparisons to Yvon Deschamps, and he was named a Festival Juste pour rire favourite in 1996.
In 2000, he achieved major success with his first one-man show, Y’a trop de Blancs au Québec, which earned him the Félix Award for Best Comedy Show. Alongside his stage career, he has distinguished himself in film and television and has become an important advocate for mental health awareness. After a period away from the spotlight, he made a notable return, including an appearance at the 2018 Juste pour rire Festival.
The Multicultural Festival was born from a desire to discover, share, and embrace the values of multiple cultures, creating a unique synergy where culture becomes a meeting point that fosters living together in harmony. It was thanks to the initiative Communauté francophone accueillante, the support of committed partners, and a strong political will to promote inclusion, diversity, and community vitality that the first edition came to life in 2022. Since then, the event has continued to grow and bring people together.
Now celebrating its fifth edition in 2026, the Multicultural Festival has established itself as a must‑attend local event. During its first four editions, nearly 20,000 people attended this entirely free festival, confirming its importance and growing influence in the region. The support of a major sponsor, Desjardins, plays a key role in ensuring the event’s accessibility and the quality of its programming. Over the years, the festival has welcomed renowned artists such as Corneille, Zachary Richard, Claude Dubois, Roch Voisine, Paul Piché, Jonas, and many others, offering memorable performances that have brought together audiences of all generations. Remaining true to its mission, the event aims to surprise once again this year with a rich, diverse, and inclusive program. The City of Hawkesbury, supported by its institutional and financial partners, continues to promote francophonie, celebrate cultural diversity, stimulate the local economy, energize the downtown core, and strengthen rural vitality, while placing community cohesion at the heart of its actions.
Le Festival multiculturel est né d’une volonté de découvrir, de partager et de s’imprégner des valeurs de plusieurs cultures, créant ainsi une synergie unique où la culture devient un point de rencontre favorisant le vivre‑ensemble. C’est grâce à l’initiative Communauté francophone accueillante, à l’appui de partenaires engagés et à une volonté politique affirmée de soutenir l’inclusion, la diversité et la vitalité communautaire que la première édition a vu le jour en 2022. Depuis, l’événement ne cesse de croître et de rassembler.
En étant maintenant à sa cinquième édition en 2026, le Festival multiculturel s’impose comme un événement local incontournable. Au cours de ses quatre premières éditions, près de 20 000 personnes ont assisté à ce festival entièrement gratuit, confirmant son importance et son rayonnement dans la région. Le soutien d’un commanditaire majeur, Desjardins, joue un rôle essentiel dans l’accessibilité de l’événement et dans la qualité de sa programmation. Au fil des ans, le festival a accueilli des artistes de renom tels que Corneille, Zachary Richard, Claude Dubois, Rock Voisine, Paul Piché, Jonas et plusieurs autres, offrant des prestations marquantes qui ont su rassembler toutes les générations. Fidèle à sa mission, l’événement entend vous surprendre encore cette année avec une programmation riche, diversifiée et rassembleuse. La Ville de Hawkesbury, appuyée par ses partenaires institutionnels et financiers, continue ainsi de promouvoir la francophonie, de célébrer la diversité culturelle, de stimuler l’économie locale, de dynamiser le centre‑ville et de renforcer la vitalité rurale, tout en plaçant le vivre‑ensemble au cœur de son action.