Winter fades away, the sky clears up. Fresh air blows from the open sea and brings excitement to the shore—sea men are on their last preparations. The last fishing boats and lobster pots are driven back to the wharf. Soon, it'll be Setting Day. As the festivities approach, I invite you to get in the spirit of the fishing season in Les Îles de a Madeleine with us!
In Les Îles, you'd be hard-pressed to find an extended family that doesn't include someone who works at sea. In my family, it's my brother-in-law. He is a captain, and he has been fishing lobster since forever. Like many other boys, he left school when he was around 14 years old to learn the fisherman's trade from his father. Not that he didn't have the grades for a promising future (good luck beating him when doing mental arithmetic!), but for him, just as it was for his father before him, the sea was a calling. It's the best job in the world, they say... as long as the weather is nice; otherwise it gets pretty rough pretty quick.
It's also often said that each family in Les Îles counts at least one musician. The ones I know wouldn't be bold enough to call themselves musicians; they say they can strum a few guitar chords, swing a fiddle's bow, or hum a tune now and then. Personally, I can remember a few chords and have fun with Irish flutes, but my favourite thing is to add harmonies to songs that don't have them. It's the kind of challenge I'm always up for, even if, like many Madelinots, I can't read sheet music. I've learned it all by ear. So don't ask me if I'm an alto or a soprano—above or below the melody, no worries, I'll find myself some notes to sing!
For as long as I can remember, I've heard songs and melodies from local artists, often playing in the background, without me noticing them. I've come to know many of those songs by heart, without ever having to sit down and learn the lyrics. The stories told through that music often speak of family history, ancestors, and past tragedies, but also touch on the joyful outlook on life and the resilience of those who work at sea.
In a few days, fishing boats will head out for Setting Day. Lobster fishing season will officially start, the undeniable sign that spring has arrived, even if we're still waiting on the days to warm up. Local radio sets the tone with more and more songs about the sea and fishing, getting everyone in the right mood.
So, my friends, let's embrace the local musical customs and welcome spring to the islands! Leave your pride aside and sing along with us! I'll make sure to add some harmonies.
Any favourites you'd like to add to the list?
