The town of Sainte-Ursule recently honored the musical group Les Cousins Branchaud for their significant contribution to the cultural landscape of the region and their dedication to preserving traditional Quebecois music. Members of the group were invited to sign the town’s guest book on February 3, in a ceremony recognizing their impact.
Since 1994, Les Cousins Branchaud have performed extensively throughout Quebec, becoming a fixture at regional events. They’ve graced the stage at the Festival de la galette de sarrasin de Louiseville an impressive 29 times, and have been a mainstay of New Year’s Eve celebrations in Sainte-Ursule for years.
In fact, the group presented their final performance on December 31, 2025, in Sainte-Ursule, marking the end of an era. The performance was described by Mayor Réjean Carle as a “unique” evening.
“They chose to conclude their artistic journey among us, surrounded by citizens who love them, in an atmosphere where every note seemed to carry a tender and luminous farewell,” Mayor Carle said during the guest book signing ceremony. This sentiment underscores the deep connection between the band and their devoted fanbase.
The ceremony served as a tribute to the musicians, who, according to Carle, “knew how to touch the soul of our municipality.”
“Their legacy is measured in smiles, shivers, and shared memories. They leave us a luminous trace, a cultural and human heritage that will continue to live on long after the last note,” Carle added. The band’s retirement marks the end of a chapter for Quebec’s traditional music scene, but their influence is sure to endure.
