Under the theme Origine, the 2001 Black & Blues event marks a pivotal moment in humanity’s progression—the beginning of a new millennium.

Origine is the encounter with Gaia (Mother Earth), the Celtic druids, and, above all, the Greek god Dionysus. At the origin of all great events, Dionysus is a great lover of celebration, love, friendship, peace, sociability, exchange, and sharing.

The Black & Blue Festival promotes these values by celebrating life itself within a symbolic circle recreated on the grounds of Montreal’s Olympic Stadium. Since prehistoric times and across all cultures, the circle has represented the continuous flow of life, the human spirit, unity, harmony, the absolute, and eternity. The 2001 edition of the festival thus celebrates life and community action, proclaiming that we always carry with us those who have been taken by AIDS.