7 Ways You Can Still Celebrate St-Jean In Montreal This Year
Though there'll be no parades or giant parties this year, several things are planned for La Fête Nationale! Otherwise known as Saint-Jean Baptiste Day, Quebec's national holiday is one of the most popular events of the summer. So wear some blue, turn on some Loud, crank up that A/C, and get ready to celebrate a Saint-Jean unlike any you've ever experienced.
Montreal celebrated its first-ever Saint-Jean Baptiste day in 1834. For 186 years, the city has celebrated the National Holiday on June 24.
Steeped in tradition, the event is marked by a huge parade. The recent health crisis has forced the Saint-Jean Baptiste Society of Montreal and the Quebec government to cancel the parade for the first time in its 186 year history.
Though cancelled like many summer events, the government has recently lifted some restrictions on gatherings.
If you're planning to celebrate Saint-Jean Baptiste, remember that the government recommends small indoor or outdoor gatherings while wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.
Since you probably have the day off, we put together a little list of online and socially-distanced events so you can show some pride this week!
Saint-Jeanne 2020 - Une St-Jean Alternative
When: June 24, 8 p.m.
Safia Nolin is hosting the first-ever edition of Saint-Jeanne, a Fête Nationale party for everyone who feels left out of traditional Saint-Jean celebrations.
The event will feature artists such as Backxwash, Tranna Wintour, and drag queens Matane Alex and Giselle Lullaby. Kiara, a contestant on Canada's Ru Paul's Drag Race, will host the event.
Saint-Jeanne will be live-streamed on Nolin's Facebook page on June 24. Nolin is also fundraising for LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
Les mercredis pique-niques
When: June 24, 11 a.m.
Local restaurateurs in Ahuntsic are inviting all Montrealers to the Quartier Flo, around rue Fleury Ouest and Parc Tolhurst.
Les mercredis pique-niques usually invites local food trucks and food kiosks to take over the neighbourhood but due to the recent pandemic, restaurants are opening up for take-out!
Call ahead in advance and order a picnic basket and enjoy your Saint-Jean!
C’est à notre tour de nous laisser parler d’amour
When: June 24, 7 p.m.
The Quebec National Day Committee in Montreal invites everyone to take part in what could be the largest choir ever assembled.
Quebecers are invited to go outside on their balconies, out their windows, or yards to sing a refrain from Gens du Pays, a song of national pride.
Find the lyrics here!
St-Jean Baptiste Greek Festival
When: 5:00 p.m., June 23 – 8 p.m., June 28
The Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal is moving the festivities online this year with takeout Greek meals available at the South Shore Community Centre in St-Hubert. Just make sure to call to preorder.
UNI.E.S Dans La Diversité
When: 7 p.m. – 11 p.m., June 25
Montreal's new drive-in event theatre, the Royalmount, is hosting a special St-Jean event with performances by Eddy King, Angelo Schiraldi, Sarahmée, and Kyng Rose.
Foodservice is available on-site and attendees will even be able to tailgate in zones outside their cars.
You must reserve your ticket online.
Head To A Terrasse & Have A Drink
Restaurants began to open in the Montreal area on June 22 — that includes indoor and outdoor dining spaces. Some of the city's most popular terrasses let MTL Blog know when they're opening for the season. Check out that list here!
Have A BBQ With Your Friends
Indoor and outdoor gatherings are allowed in Montreal so long as they have a maximum of 10 people from three different households.
This is the perfect opportunity to throw a small party with your friends to celebrate getting through the last few months.
Bonne Saint-Jean everyone!
