On June 24th, Québec bursts into blue-and-white celebration for Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day—the province's Fête nationale. From Montréal's vast outdoor stages to village bonfires along the St. Lawrence, Québécois of all ages join in “Bonsoir, bonsoir!” concerts, flag-waving parades and spirited cries of “Vive le Québec!”
Music, Concerts & Bonfires
- Major outdoor shows: Headliners perform francophone rock, folk and pop in parks—from Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montréal to Québec City's Plains of Abraham.
- “Bonsoir, bonsoir!”: As dusk falls, crowds sing this classic tune in unison, igniting bonfires that light up riverfronts and hilltops.
- Community fêtes: Smaller towns host brass bands, dance troupes and open-air cafés serving cold sangria and local craft beer.
Culinary Traditions & Street Fare
- Poutine extravaganza: Cheesy fries topped with smoked meat, foie gras or vegan gravy fuel revelers through the night.
- Strawberry shortcake: Fresh Québec berries layered with whipped cream on fluffy sponge, a sweet salute to summer.
- Maple-glazed treats: From taffy on snow to maple crème cookies, the province's liquid gold features in every menu.
Parades, Flags & Cultural Pride
- Flag processions: Thousands march bearing the fleur-de-lis banner through downtown streets and across university campuses.
- Traditional attire: Participants don blue berets, striped shirts and fleur-de-lis pins to showcase Québécois identity.
- Francophone theatre: Street performances of classic and contemporary French-Canadian plays bring heritage to life.
Family & Community Activities
- Kids' workshops: Paper-flower crafting, face-painting in blue and white, and song-learning sessions at community centres.
- Outdoor cinema: Parks screen Québec films under the stars—classics like “La guerre des tuques” delight all ages.
- Artisan markets: Local makers sell ceramics, textiles and jewelry inspired by Québec's landscapes and folklore.