On November 6th, the Saint-Jean-l’Évangéliste Cathedral in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu was transformed into a magical space to host “Memories in Lights”, an intercultural event dedicated to celebrating the Day of the Dead, a Mexican tradition recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This event was organized by Service L’Ancre, which presented an impressive sound and light show inside the cathedral.
The evening was specially designed to allow Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) from different countries to discover, share, and experience a tradition rich in symbolism. Many TFWs participated enthusiastically, accompanied by local community residents as well as various organizations providing support to temporary workers in the region.
During the event, participants were able to enjoy live music from the Tablaò Afro-American group, an immersive sound and light show, a tasting of the traditional Pan de Muerto, cultural activities including the presence of a living Catrina, as well as family spaces offering activities for children.
Altogether, these elements created a warm atmosphere that helped connect cultures, share stories, and strengthen the community forming around temporary workers.
The Day of the Dead is a celebration that honors those who are no longer physically present but remain alive in memory and in the heart. It is a moment filled with colors, music, offerings, and joy. For many TFWs, this event represented an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, while those unfamiliar with the tradition were able to appreciate it in a respectful and enriching way.
Moreover, the event allowed several organizations to engage with the workers, listen to their experiences, and remind them of the resources available to them in Quebec. These organizations included:
- InfoTET d’Immigrant Québec
- Service L’Ancre
- Justice Pro Bono
- SIARI – Service d’Interprète d’Aide et de Référence aux Immigrants
- Ferme Contigo
This direct contact is essential so that temporary foreign workers know they are not alone and that there are services dedicated to supporting them in times of doubt, difficulty, or need.
The InfoTET team from Immigrant Quebec, composed of project director Nicolas Bellier, regional coordinator Jonathan Buitrago, and administrative support Alejandra Salas, was also present. The team took the opportunity to interact with the workers, listen to their experiences, and strengthen existing support networks in the region. They also distributed InfoTET guides, providing essential information about the resources, rights, and services available to temporary workers in Quebec.
Events like Memories in Lights showcase the immense value of cultural diversity in Quebec and the positive impact of temporary foreign workers within our communities.
Thank you to all the TFWs who participated, collaborated, or simply attended to experience this very special evening.
