Quebec’s National Holiday
Happy Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day!
Although Quebec celebrates all of Canada’s national holidays, lalawigan ay mayroon ding kanyang sariling “Fête Nationale“. This “national holiday,"Na kilala rin bilang Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, ay gaganapin sa Hunyo 24 and is part summer solstice celebration and part Quebec pride day.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste (St. Juan Bautista) ay ang patron saint ng Pranses Canadians, and the day in his honor takes on a significant flavor of Quebec nationalism. Residents wave Quebec flags and hang banners from their balconies, habang 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 — bangko, opisina, and other services are all closed–so you might as well join in the festivities, kahit na hindi ka nagsasalita magkano Pranses. It’s a fine excuse for a party!
And even if you’re not in Quebec, you may find celebrations in other regions. Ngayong gabi sa Vancouver, Richard’s on Richards nightclub hosts “Fête de la Saint Jean Baptiste” at 9pm. Maaari ka ring partido sa ang Yukon at celebrations in Whitehorse and Dawson City.
Mahusay Pagdiriwang!
Larawan © Alan Albert