Montreal celebrates Fête nationale, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day

“We should all be proud,” said Montrealer Kevin Majaducon about the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Parade inspired by traditional and contemporary Quebec culture. Emma Megelas reports.

By Emma Megelas

For almost 200 years, Quebecers have gathered on the streets of Montreal to celebrate the Fête nationale (Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day) Parade and this year is no different.

“We’re all celebrating the same holiday, and we should all be proud to celebrate the holidays. It’s Quebec’s birthday,” said Kevin Majaducon, a Montrealer.

Saint-Jean-Baptiste Parade in Montreal. (Photo Credit: Gareth Madoc-Jones, CityNews)

“It’s pretty much a parade where, you know, we’re all proud to be here, and we’re here to celebrate Quebec’s national day.”

The theme, inspired by traditional and contemporary Quebec culture featuring music, dancing, and plenty of excitement.

“It’s nice to see people under grey skies doesn’t matter we’re able to have some fun no matter what the weather brings so I’m feeling really happy,” said Nikola LeBel, from Outaouais.

“We’re just here to have fun with everybody but also to remind everybody that we would like for Québec to become a new country and we believe it’s a worthwhile cause and that everybody can take part in it the same way as anybody can take part in this beautiful parade,” added LeBel. 

Mariette Michel from Montreal says, “As a Quebecer, these are the events of our national holiday, so it is important. We’ve been coming to the Saint-Jean parade every year for, I don’t know how many years, maybe 50 years.”

The parade started on the corner of Rachel Street and Molson Street finishing on the corner of Orleans Avenue.

“This is important to me since I have lived in Quebec for many years. And even if I leave, I will always come back to Quebec,” said Rebecca, from Montreal.

Fabien Ducat, also from Montreal, adding, “We’re feeling good, the weather is nice, we’re enjoying a nice long weekend, it’s really nice.”

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