Islanders celebrate their Acadian heritage

Red, white and blue flags with yellow stars were flying across P.E.I. Monday as people honoured and celebrated their Acadian roots on National Acadian Day.

People gathered at the Farmers' Bank of Rustico, P.E.I. for a "tintamarre" aninteractive Acadian parade.

People waved flags, shook instruments and were all smiles.

Gisele Julienis from Moncton, N.B., but is on holiday in P.E.I.

She said it's very important for her to celebrate her Acadian heritage because of what her ancestors went through they were deported, came back and now their culture continues to grow.

"Every year I celebrate the Acadian day. Wherever I am, that's where I'm celebrating."

After the tintamarre, there was a speech about the significance of the day and about Rustico, which is home to the oldest Acadian community on the Island.

The Acadian National anthem was sung, and there were cheers all around, and then the the Acadian and Canadian flags were raised.

After the excitement, people went indoors for a barbeque and an Acadian-themed cake.

Children who attend the daycare at the Centre Acadien Grand-Rustico came to the event.

Four-year-old FemkaDasylva-Gill's favourite parts of the day were the parade and eating cake.

Today's events across the Island wrap up a weekend of celebration.

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