La débâcle of Chibougamau aims to introduce emerging music groups to the population of the city of Chibougamau and to visitors.
The theme developed to create the festival's image is that of the spring ice melt. It is indeed in the month of May that the ice completely gives way (débâcle) on the lakes and rivers of the region. The name chosen for the festival therefore refers to a musical flood that sweeps through the city for one evening. The Musical Breakup presents three shows that take place one after another in different indoor venues in downtown Chibougamau.