Thanks to all who responded to the post below both here and via email. Opinion was mixed, with one good friend taking me task for demonstrating an apparent lack of respect for Québec. All I can say is that I wrote what I saw, and it differed little from the conclusions of others -- even québécois francophones.
I am told that the celebrations are tamer and more family-oriented in the smaller cities, and even in Montreal. I look forward to seeing those celebrations in future years.
Des commentaires en français de ceux et celles qui étaient là cette année, ou dans des années antérieures, sont bienvenus.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 9:33 AM