Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Saint Jean Baptiste Day

Yesterday I wrote about a holiday celebrated in Canada - Victoria Day - today I'm happy to share what this "Lost Canadian" has learned about another Canadian holiday - Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day - which is celebrated June 24th as a National Holiday of Quebec and French culture. Here are some details about this holiday -

• Initially it celebrated the birth of St. John the Baptist, it has evolved into a celebration of Quebec culture, history, and the French language.
• Celebrations often start on the night of June 23 with bonfires and musical performances, followed by parades and community events on the 24th.
• The tradition was brought to Canada by French settlers in the 1600s, with the first major parade held in 1843. 
• This is a public holiday in Quebec, but French people across Canada also participate in the celebrations, which often highlight the summer solstice.
• Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day serves as a celebration of French-Canadian and Quebecer identity, culture, and language.
• Celebrations include concerts, bonfires, parades, and fireworks, particularly in Quebec.
• St. John the Baptist is celebrated on this day because it is six months before Christmas, aligning with the birth date of Jesus, as John is believed to be six months older.
• The white fleur-de-lis on the flag of Quebec is the symbol of this holiday.

So, if you discover you are a "Lost Canadian" and you move to Quebec, now you will be ready to celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day! You will find out more about Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day at this link.