Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day: Fête Nationale community celebrations in Montreal neighbourhoods

Quebecers celebrated la Fête Nationale, also known as Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, on Tuesday. In Montreal, there were a number of events to participate in that included community parties set up in neighbourhoods. 

“It’s a very, very good neighborhood party on the island of Montreal because of the activities, the attendance is just right,” said Émilie Brunet, who was celebrating with daughter Alexe and son Léo.

Luc Boissonneault, a Lachine resident, said, “It’s a way to celebrate actually living in that great province, and it’s a great day. So it’s just having fun with the kids.”

In Dorval, activities began at noon with face painting, photography, and games on inflatables. Also on the agenda were music and dance performances, as well as a Fête Nationale cake being served and a fireworks display. 

“The kids always like to come to the bouncy castles. We come nice and early so there’s not too many people. And we enjoy the sun,” said Marie-Christine Schmidt, a Dorval resident.

Lucas James, a Lachine resident, said, “I like the concert and the things like the surprise and all. And like the small train, the park is very cool.”  

While Victor James, Lucas’s father, added, “It’s a family occasion where the children can come and participate in the activities and the concerts and the fireworks. It’s an amazing time for the nationale every year in Park Millennium in Dorval.”

Adding, “Quebec is one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada. Just being a Quebec Canadian, we are showing a spirit of what it means to be a Quebecer in the Canadian Confederation. And I think that’s a great feeling and we’re all part of the one big family.”

Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day was originally a religious holiday. In 1925, June 24th became a statutory holiday in Quebec, and in 1977 it was recognized as la Fête Nationale du Quebec, Quebec’s national holiday. 

“I have descendants who were among the first settlers who arrived here, in Quebec and Montreal. So we think it’s important to highlight this heritage that we have as Quebecois descendants. My children celebrate the Quebecois heritage, but they are also descendants of a father from Mauritius. So it’s a great representation of the multiculturalism we have now in Quebec,” said Brunet.

Anna Lobasiuk, a Lachine resident with sons Lukas & Maxime, saying, “It’s the celebration of Quebecers. As immigrants, we also feel like Quebecers. So it’s important to celebrate the holiday of the province where we live.”