Quebec National Day: Where does Saint-Jean-Baptiste come from?

On June 24, the four corners of the province prepare to come alive with the rhythm of Quebec folklore by unfurling the blue and white flag, also known as Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Quebec’s national holiday. But what is its origin?

Every year, the province hosts more than 750 festivals, offering more than 1,050 shows and 360 bonfires to Quebecers.Canadian EncyclopediaFew people know where this holiday comes from.

However, the French-speaking communities of other provinces and even representatives of Quebec…resonate all the way to Tokyo!

Where to celebrate Midsummer?

No fewer than twenty regions will be performing across the province on Sunday, June 23 and Monday, June 24 – a day off that will allow people to get their hands on the best Quebec classics.

• Read more: Open or close for Midsummer?

As every year, Quebec and Montreal will bring out the crowds with major events on June 23 and 24, respectively, and a large number of neighborhood parties and parades in the big metropolis on June 24.

Other regions such as Gatineau, Longueuil, Saguenay, Sherbrooke and Saint-Jérôme will also invite some Quebec talent to the stage in the evening.

Here’s where to find out Complete program This year we should celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste.

Why is Saint-Jean Quebec’s national holiday?

Celebrations of Saint-Jean-Baptiste are not new and come from ancient pagan customs, including the lighting of bonfires to mark the summer solstice.Canadian Encyclopedia.

It wasn’t until 1646 that these celebrations crossed the Atlantic Ocean with settlers in New France, before gaining religious festival status in 1694.

Later, in 1834, the feast of Saint-Jean-Baptiste became more patriotic at the time of its founding “Help yourself and heaven help you” (ancestor of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Society ) Ludger DuVernay, editor of the important patriotic newspaper Minerva.

Its goal was to provide French Canadians with a national celebration strongly inspired by the Saint-Patrick’s Day parades held by Irish immigrants to Montreal.

Why do we celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24?

After being exiled with other patriots following the 1837–1838 revolts, Ludger DuVernay returned to the country practically in 1842 and the following year reiterated his desire to unite French-speakers by founding the Association of Saint-Jean-Baptiste.

A few weeks later, on June 24, 1843, Montreal saw its first Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day parade through the streets of the metropolis: a tradition that now returns every year.

Since 1925, this holiday has been officially recognized as a statutory holiday by the legislature of Quebec.

Who was John the Baptist?

The famous John the Baptist, who is responsible for the Catholic Church’s summer solstice festival, was a relative of Jesus of Nazareth, John the Baptist – hence his name.

The reason John the Baptist is celebrated at this time of year is because, according to the Canadian History Society, he was said to have been born near the summer solstice, the opposite of Jesus, who is associated with the winter solstice.

Since the 6th century, many Western countries have celebrated Saint-Jean-Baptiste’s day with festive meals followed by fasting in his honor.

In addition to the Catholic Church’s strong hold on French-Canadian society, John the Baptist — symbolized by a curly-haired baby holding a sheep — was the focus of celebration, before 1908 officially becoming the patron saint of French Canadians, ie. It should be said that their protector.

A symbol specific to Quebecers

Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day celebrations have helped shape Quebec culture and identity over the years.

Did you know that the country’s national anthem was first sung during the Saint-Jean celebration in Quebec in 1880? Canada? However, it did not officially receive its status until 1980.

In 1947, Quebec’s Saint-Jean-Baptiste associations also campaigned in favor of adopting the fleurdelis as the province’s flag, aiming to remind people of their French roots. It became a rallying symbol for Quebecers upon its adoption the following year.

The 1975 Midsummer celebrations were also the birthplace of the song’s first performance Country people Written by Gilles Vignault, the anthem still resonates with Quebecers today, especially on birthdays.