Ste. Genevieve's 2011 New Year's Celebration

La Guiannée, La Guignolèe or La Guillaneé - Founded by French fur traders, Ste. Genevieve remained a French speaking enclave for centuries in the newly Americanized Midwest. Sadly, the last generations of native French speakers are disappearing, but old traditions like La Guiannée still remain. This ancient tradition, analogous to the English custom of Wassailing that harkens back to Europe's Middle Ages, is celebrated by descendants of those French settlers. Dressed in bizarre and somewhat archaic costumes, the revelers wander from place to place singing a beggars song for favors. You can see and participate with these singers and musicians as they celebrate this 250 year old tradition each New Year's Eve in the streets, cafes and pubs of old Ste. Genevieve's Historic District.

When: December 31st, (New Year's Eve)

Where: Historic District, Ste. Genevieve, MO

Cost: FREE!

Ste. Genevieve Department of Tourism

66 South Main St.

Ste. Genevieve, Missouri 63670

Call Toll Free: 800-373-7007