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Lighting up the night in Montreal

Winter nights in Montreal are long and dark... and that’s a reason to celebrate! The sixth edition of Montreal’s “Nuit Blanche” offers arctic night owls an opportunity to light up the night, indoors and out, with all kinds of activities and exhibitions.

The 2009 all-nighter takes place Saturday, February 28 through to Sunday, March 1st, and includes art exhibitions in the underground city, food, theater and parties galore. The metro will remain open all night and free shuttle service will be provided to transport revelers from one site to another. Sections of the underground tunnel system will provide the venue for “Art Souterrain” where 80 projects from 110 contemporary artists will be on display.

Food and drink are an important part of any celebration, and “Nuit Blanche” doesn’t disappoint. The Grande Raclette at Marché Bonsecours is an opportunity to sample the finest in Quebec cheeses, served with potatoes, cold cuts, green salad and pickles. Teens have their own place to celebrate with the Chocolate Milk Youth Night at Complexe Desjardins, where flavoured milks are only one item on a menu that includes an iPod Battle, Rock Band duels and the participation of personalities from the art, dance and music communities.

A diverse selection of musical experiences await festive insomniacs at various locations around the city; and if taking to the dance floor helps warm up a cold winter night, opportunities abound, whether to a hip-hop beat, a swinging melody or rockabilly stomp.

Live performances to stretch the mind — including comedy, storytelling, poetry and theatre — complement numerous film screenings around the urban center. Activities to stretch body (and soul?) include spa experiences, yoga, Frisbee in the snow and splashing around in an Olympic pool with players from the Montreal Impact soccer team.

And of course, there must be a great light in the darkness: Place Jacques-Cartier in Old Montreal is heralded as the heart of the celebration with the BMO Bank of Montreal Celebration of Light, ice slide and skating, while fireworks and carnival delights in the Old Port will truly light up the Montreal night.

The 10th edition of the MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival runs from Thursday, February 19 to Sunday, March 1, 2009.

for more information

514-288-9955
1-888-477-9955
montrealhighlights.com

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