Tam-tams Montreal

Tam-tams on Mont-Royal, Montreal

Ever since I have been in Montreal, I have been aware of the Tam-tams, but I admit, I haven’t been there too often; however, having a camera in my hands has inspired me to revisit some of the Montreal sites that I have taken for granted.

Black drummer, Tam-tams montreal

The Tam-tams take place on Sundays, near the monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier and in Mount Royal Park’s surrounding green spaces. A colorful gathering of drummers, dancers, vendors, and their admiring audiences.

White older man playing the saxophone at the Tam-tams montreal

Thousands of drum players, dancers, vendors, and visitors come together every Sunday afternoon throughout the temperate months, occupying much of the open space on the eastern edge of Mount Royal Park.

White man dancing to the beat of the Tam-tams Montreal

The Tam-Tams typically start around 10:30 am and continue until sunset. It is not an officially sanctioned nor sponsored event, simply a regular if technically spontaneous event. As such, it’s difficult to pinpoint when it started or what motivated the first drum circle.

Young man drumming at Tam-tams Montreal
Black man experimenting joy at tam-tams Montreal
Young black man drumming at the Tam-tams Montreal
Native American man playing a musical instrument at Tam-tams Montreal
White man paying the drums at Tam-tams Montreal
Woman playing drums at Tam-tams Montreal
White woman dancing to the beat of the drums at Tam-tams Montreal
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