Fête Nationale Du Québec
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is a national holiday celebrated on June 24th in Quebec, where it is also known as Fête Nationale du Québec (or National Holiday of Quebec).
The history of this holiday can be traced back to ancient times. The day originally marked the honorary remembrance of the Christian saint, John the Baptist which was popular in France. The holiday arrived in Quebec along with the first French colonists. This all changed in the late 1800s when a French Canadian journalist watched a St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Montreal. This inspired him to form a similar holiday so that French Canadians could honour both John the Baptist and their heritage.
Now this festival is one of the most important holidays in Quebec.
Holiday festivities usually begin on June 23rd where people gather to celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day and Francophone culture. Many celebratory events are organized from small family gatherings like picnics, bonfires and parties to large organized events such as concerts, parades, sports tournaments and fireworks. The colours for the day are blue and white and the white fleur-de-lis on the flag of Quebec is the symbol of this holiday.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day Menu
Quiche Lorraine, featuring Maple Leaf Country Kitchen Deli Smoked Ham or if you want to try something a little different, use Maple Leaf’s Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken or Bacon Chips instead of Ham
Maple Leaf Tourtiere Pie, each 125g pie is made with authentic seasoning, minced pork and a delicious flaky pastry
Hot Dogs with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère Cheese, featuring Schneiders Roller Grill Wieners 5” 12lb
Chicken Burger with Sliced Back Bacon & BBQ Sauce, featuring Maple Leaf Oven Roasted Sandwich Style Breast (3.4oz/96g) or Maple Leaf Crispy Chicken Breast Burger (90g) and Maple Leaf Sliced Back Bacon
Brie & Veggie Burger on a Montreal-Style Bagel, featuring Maple Leaf Lightlife Plant-based burger with 19.7g Protein/113g patty
Smoked Meat Sandwich on Rye, featuring Mainstreet Deli Montreal Style Corned Beef
Sides
- French Fries
- Poutine
- Creamy Potatoes en Papillote
- Coleslaw
Dessert
- Sugar Pie
- Blueberry Cobbler
- Ice Cream Sandwich
Theme Day Activities
Decorations – Decorate your home in Blue and White. Feature
the Quebec Flag, blue and white balloons and lights.
Music: did you know that “O Canada” was heard for the first
time in 1880 during Saint-Jean celebrations in Quebec City?
Bring in some live music to your homes and let your residents
singing and dancing!
Celebrate the Culture: why not incorporate the historical roots
of Saint Jean Baptiste Day’s customs and traditions with
brain teasers and trivia games for your residents.
Parades: are a very popular way to pay tribute to this
important day. Treat your residents to an evening parade
or walk outside during the fading light of the longest day
of the year.
