The name of this popular local tourist festival is known as Tam Tams. This event, that is held in Montreal’s Mont Royal Park, is a Sunday afternoon tradition that originated way back in the late 70’s or early 80’s, no one is quite sure.

It is a gathering of people who just want to hang out and have a good time playing music on hand held drums (Tam tam’s or Bongo’s).

My cousin’s husband just came back from Montreal this past weekend and told me of this great event that he just witnessed. To be honest with you, it sounds like freakin’ blast!

Imagine people hanging out playing music with that communal living feel to the gathering. Very young, old and anything in between sharing a peaceful afternoon or should I say vibe.

Tam Tams Montreal: A Mont Royal Tradition
Urban lore has it Montreal’s Tam Tams, named after the French word for hand drums like the bongo or djembe, started in the 80s, maybe late 70s, it depends on the source. According to writer Susan Krashinsky, it began with an African drumming workshop. For a change of pace, students convened in Jeanne-Mance Park on Mont Royal, beside the angel statue. Eventually, non-drummers joined in, dancing along with the ever changing beats until it became Tam Tams, Montreal’s Sunday tradition in the park. By 1994, the city of Montreal took charge of maintenance, security and marketplace permits.

Has anyone out there been to this gathering of the minds?

Keep on Jammin’ (or in this case Tam, Taming!)