MONARCH FIESTA at Space for Life! A big new family party to celebrate the queen of butterflies

MONTRÉAL, Aug. 13, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Montréal Space for Life is adding a new activity to its programming, an event devised by the Insectarium team that will bring the whole family together in a festive, fun atmosphere to celebrate the monarch butterfly, the institution emblem. Specifically, on August 25 and 26, 2018, the first Monarch Fiesta will be taking place: two days of memorable encounters, exciting discoveries, Mexican music, crafts workshops and games for people big and small. The aim of the celebrations is to lead the general public to a better understanding of this butterfly in an enjoyable way, and above all to contribute to the butterfly's survival, its populations having undergone significant declines over the last twenty years or so.

MEETING FASCINATING PEOPLE
His photos of monarch butterflies have been seen around the world!
Jaime Rojo is a multiple-award-winning professional photographer and an ardent champion of nature conservation. The picture that earned him third prize in the Nature category of the 2017 World Press Photo contest is a wonderful illustration of monarch butterflies at their wintering site. For the two days of Monarch Fiesta, Jaime Rojo will be on hand from 1 to 4 p.m. to talk about his profession with the public, answer questions, and present his ten most beautiful monarch photos (which will be accessible to visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

She followed the monarch migration on a bike
Laura Pedebas, known as "Laura la cyclonomade," did the monarch migration route from south to north by bicycle. Using videos she took during her travels, Laura talks about her journey (pitching a tent the whole way), her discoveries and her adventures on both Saturday and Sunday (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

HAVING FUN AS A FAMILY
Get ready for the piñata and the little-monarch parade! Kids will bring all their artistic talent to bear when they assemble butterfly antennae to complement the wings that we'll be supplying. They'll also be able to get their faces painted on a monarch theme (butterfly, caterpillar, chrysalis, milkweed). Their drawings will go towards mounting a large collective work inspired by wintering sites, and they'll take part in putting together seed bombs. A whole bunch of fun in store!

BEING PART OF MONARCH CONSERVATION
Citizens, get your magnifying glasses out!
The Insectarium team of educators will be explaining to visitors the Mission Monarch research project and how they can become citizen researchers in their area. They'll host workshops on site, where children and adults can learn to identify milkweed, caterpillars and butterflies so that they can make a note of their observations and post their data online. Visitors will also be receiving helpful advice on creating an oasis for monarchs at home, and in the process discover how to participate in the My Space for Life Garden program. And for travelers planning a vacation down south, there will be plenty of information on the wintering sites where monarchs gather in Mexico.

DANCING TO THE SOUND OF MEXICAN MUSIC
At 12:45 p.m., the five musicians of Las Monarcas, a traditional Mexican music band based in Montréal, will have you dancing to son jarocho. That musical blend lies at the heart of a party known as fandango, where respect for life and nature and a deep attachment to the earth and the community find expression. An invitation to groove to the rhythm of some truly lively music!

This initial version of MONARCH FIESTA marks the start of a new tradition at Space for Life. Don't miss reserving your August 25-26 weekend as soon as possible!

Nature dwells within us
In 2018, Space for Life is looking at the many ways of dwelling on our planet. It's a source of inspiration for some, and a call to reflection and dialogue for others, leading to citizen-based initiatives.

About Space for Life 
Montréal Space for Life is made up of four attractions on the same site: the Jardin botanique, Biodôme, Insectarium and Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan. These four prestigious Ville de Montréal institutions form Canada's most important natural science museum complex. Together, they're launching a daring, creative urban movement, urging everyone to rethink the connection between humankind and nature and to cultivate a new way of living.

Visuel : http://bit.ly/Fiesta_monarque

SOURCE Espace pour la vie