Happy Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day!

Bien que le Québec célèbre toutes les fêtes nationales du Canada, la province a aussi son propre “Fête Nationale“. Cette fête «nationale,ȃgalement connu sous Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, est tenue le Juin 24 and is part summer solstice celebration and part Quebec pride day.

Saint-Jean-Baptiste (St. Jean-Baptiste) est le saint patron des Canadiens français, and the day in his honor takes on a significant flavor of Quebec nationalism. Residents wave Quebec flags and hang banners from their balconies, tout free concerts and events highlight traditional Quebecois music and culture.

Montreal celebrates with a big parade and huge street parties across the city. Many smaller communities make merry with gusto as well.

Quebec essentially shuts down for La Fête — banques, bureaux, and other services are all closed–so you might as well join in the festivities, même si vous ne parlez pas bien français. It’s a fine excuse for a party!

And even if you’re not in Quebec, you may find celebrations in other regions. Ce soir à Vancouver, Richard’s on Richards nightclub hosts “Fête de la Saint Jean Baptiste” at 9pm. Vous pouvez même partie dans le Yukon at celebrations in Whitehorse and Dawson City.

Bonne Fête!

Photo ©Alan Albert