In Quebec City, a Year-Long Celebration

It's a big year for this little city on the banks of the St-Lawrence, as 2008 marks Québec City's 400th birthday. The celebrations begin on New Year's Eve, and various programs, exhibits, and festivals marking the anniversary continue through October 2008.

The big bash, however, takes place July 3-6, which coincides with the annual Québec City Summer Festival, when music, arts, and other cultural performances extend well into the evening. And in typical Quebecois fashion, festivities on July 6 will end with the Chemin qui marche, a spectacle that combines fire, water, dance, and other audiovisual treats, as well as an all-night party that is sure to last until dawn.

For more information on the 400th anniversary, visit the city's official Web site.

--Rachel Klein