Montreal City Weblog

Kate 08:45 on 2026-05-01 Permalink Reply  

• MarcG 08:55 on 2026-05-01 Permalink

  My intuition, which is perhaps actually self-projection, says that the world has a lot of pent up anger right now, and combined with a general disconnection from material reality, a hockey riot could be just the thing.

• steph 13:15 on 2026-05-01 Permalink

  Can someone explain to me why we mostly riot when we win?

• Kate 15:54 on 2026-05-01 Permalink

  Here’s what an AI says:

  Riots following Montreal Canadiens wins, such as in 1986, 1993, 2008, and 2021, are largely driven by a combination of intense, generational pent-up passion, alcohol-fueled over-exuberance, and a cultural tendency to express extreme emotion in the streets. These events often stem from chaotic celebrations where large crowds, rather than focused anger, overwhelm police and devolve into property damage.

  Key Factors Behind the Riots:

  • Pent-Up Frustration and Devotion: Experts note that because hockey is deeply intertwined with Montreal’s cultural identity, the long wait between wins can create an intense “burst” of emotions when they finally win.

  • The “Celebration” Shift: The 1993 riot was interpreted as an expression of frustration stemming from economic issues and a desire for cultural self-determination in Quebec.

  • Crowd Dynamics and Alcohol: Many incidents are not premeditated but occur when large, intoxicated, and celebratory crowds gather in downtown areas, such as Saint Catherine Street, turning into chaos.

  • Police Response: Studies on these events suggest that sometimes a heavy police presence or early use of tear gas can escalate a peaceful celebration into a confrontation.

  • Historic Precedent: The tradition of intense, occasionally violent fan action has roots as far back as 1955 with the “Richard Riot,” which was a response to a star player’s suspension, merging sports with cultural politics.

• Tim S. 17:21 on 2026-05-01 Permalink

  I would add weather – large crowds out for the first time as spring comes. If not hockey, could be a St Jean party or the Point St-Charles Victoria Day chaos in the old days. Don’t know why people are inspired to set things on fire, but the time of year seems to be consistent.

• Kate 19:59 on 2026-05-01 Permalink

  My mother used to talk nostalgically about playing cat and mouse with the cops and firemen in the Point on Victoria Day. And her aunt was married to a fire chief!

• CE 21:54 on 2026-05-01 Permalink

  I saw it from a distance on a bus but there seemed to be a good old fashioned May Day riot this afternoon on Réné-Lévesque near Beaver Hall.

• Janet 23:33 on 2026-05-01 Permalink

  This evening, I walked from the MMFA back to my home in the Old Port. Bad timing. The whole downtown around the Bell Centre was full of grown men in Canadiens jerseys. Lots of excitement. When I arrived in Victoria Square, there was even more excitement as I found myself in the middle of the May Day demo. First time I’ve ever been kettled. Took me awhile to find a way out that wasn’t blocked by cops in riot gear.