Quebec is a province that stands out from Canada’s 12 other provinces because of the French language (obviously), but also because of a very specific atmosphere that could be described in many ways but is, above all, extremely diverse.
There are the artists of Montreal, the First Nations at the heart of the land that was taken from them by the first settlers, beer, cowboys and farmers from the regions, scientists and aerospace, corn on the cob, the small sports cars of those who spend the summer at the club, Les Trois Accords…
Quebec identity is complex, and we won’t try to describe it here in too much detail, but you can feel it on June 24, every year, sitting around a bonfire, with uncles and aunts who’ve had a little too much to drink and the whole neighborhood celebrating.
In Montreal, a city of immigrants, professionals, and students who come from abroad for a year or for life, Quebec identity is further enriched, and the party becomes more than just a community affair. As Marco Micone (an Italian-Montreal writer and playwright) said, “You aren’t born a Quebecer; you become one.”
And to celebrate Saint-Jean, we have a few plans.
Tuesday, June 23: Party at Lafontaine Park
On the eve of Saint-Jean, for those who want to start celebrating right after leaving the office on Tuesday evening, the pro-independence citizen organization Oui Québec is hosting a neighborhood party at La Fontaine Park starting at 5 p.m.
You can follow along by heading to the SAT for theAfter-Party…
Tuesday, June 23: After-Party at the SAT
The Society for Arts and Technology [SAT] is hosting an after-party on the eve of Saint-Jean with 5 guest DJs, cocktails, and in collaboration with Oui Québec (a citizen organization advocating for the region’s independence).
To reserve your spot, click hereWednesday, June 24: Hot dogs and music at Vino Disco
At Vino Disco, we’re going to celebrate Saint-Jean with hot dogs, Quebec music, and a promise that the sound will be heavy and the party a little absurd.
Admission is free.
Wednesday, June 24: Molson Party at the Grand Quai in Montreal
Quebec beer brand Molson and Montreal streetwear brand Dime are hosting a party featuring a gladiator tournament (on skateboards, where you can sign up to win the $5,000 grand prize), games, and performances.
Admission is free.
Wednesday, June 24: National Holiday at Maisonneuve Park
The biggest party in Montreal is still the National Holiday show at Parc Maisonneuve—this year, there will be performances by Diane Dufresne, Pierre Lapointe, Harmonium, Bruno Pelletier, Souldia, Émilie Jean, the Montreal Canadiens’ official DJ Vincent Guy-Aubry…
The festivities will begin with a parade at 2 p.m., followed by a big block party at Maisonneuve Park, and will conclude with the Grand Spectacle.
For all the info, click here