The jig is up: Métis Manitobans take part in traditional dance competition at Festival du Voyageur

A dancer takes part in the Red River Jig contest at the Centre culturel franco-manitobain during Festival du Voyageur on Feb. 22, 2025. (Zachary Kitchen/CTV News Winnipeg)

The final weekend of Festival du Voyageur is well underway, but the celebrations wouldn’t be complete without the annual fiddling and jigging contest.

While the fiddling portion takes place Sunday, a record-breaking 50 dancers took the stage Saturday to showcase their take on the Red River Jig.

“It’s wonderful because it shows the culture of the music here in Manitoba that’s so near and dear to our hearts,” said contest coordinator Patti Kusturok.

The program saw jiggers of all ages, as well as an open class for those between the ages of 17 and 55.

Sunday’s fiddling contest gets underway at noon at Relais du Voyageur, located at the Centre culturel franco-manitobain. Participants can compete in two categories: Old Time and Métis.

Fiddlers must register on-site to take part in the contest.

“Manitoba is the heart of jigging and fiddling culture in Canada,” Kusturok said. “This is just a way to show people that come to Festival du Voyageur and come to Winnipeg what we have to offer.”