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From being the Star Fairy in the 70th edition of Montreal's Santa Claus parade, to local library storytelling hour celebrity, Barbada de Barbades lights up the city one event at a time.
The well-known television personality and performer shares her favourite festive spots in Montreal with Time Out Montreal.
What does being part of Montreal's Santa Claus parade as the Star Fairy mean to you?
It's such an honour! The parade has been cancelled for the past two years, so it's great that it's back and to be part of it.
What's your favourite part about Montreal during the holidays?
The fun part about Montreal is we have a big underground network so it's easy to go all over city if you don't feel like going out. Although I love being outdoors, I definitely appreciate that. There's also a lot of great activities outside—Mont-Royal and all the parks we have—and all the free activities and things to do during the winter. And in Montreal, we love the lights!
Where is your go-to for a festive meal during the holidays?
Other than Time Out Market... I love Lov. Their menu is delicious and is also vegan, which is perfect for me and for all the people who want to eat vegan—or try vegan food. Often when we think vegan we think salads or tofu, but it can be so diverse and so different, which is what I love about Lov. The restaurant is so beautiful and the bathrooms are so pretty!
And what about Montreal's nightlife?
Well, obviously, I'm going to say you have to go and see a drag show at Cabaret Mado, Cocktai, or the other venues that have drag shows. There are also several drag brunches—we've done a few at Time Out Market Montréal—and at Social Verdun. There's also a night at Notre-Boeuf-de-Grâce called Drag'N'Burger which is a dinner show on Saturday nights. Up until December 21, there are viewing parties at District Video Lounge for Call Me Mother—it's kind of like watching the hockey series, but for drag queens. And there's also a big drag contest going on, which I'm hosting, called Queb Drag Race. The second part of the semi finals will be on November 18 at Cabaret Lion d'Or, and our big finale will be on December 1 also at Cabaret Lion d'Or. Let's face it: Like many people, drag are a bit competitive... so when it comes to a competition, they want to win, and they give their all. It's a great time to see new drag performances and discover new talent.
Tell us about Spectacle de Barbada at the Salon du Livre, and your favourite bookstore in the city.
I love L’Euguélionnes in the Village, which is an independent, feminist bookstore. They always give me great suggestions. It's not huge, but it's good to support local stores and I would definitely recommend it. And Spectacle de Barbada at the Salon du Livre is a drag show with a story hour combined. It's a fun show!
For more information about Barbada de Barbades, click here.
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