This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (2024) ποΈ that no one tells you about. Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is celebrated on June 24th.
Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you might want to know about Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day.
π What day is Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day 2024?
In 2024, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is on Saturday, June 24th. It is the 4th Saturday in June; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the fun details and facts about June 24, 2023, that you might not be aware of.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, which falls on June 24th, is a special holiday in Quebec, Canada. It is also celebrated by French Canadians around the world, especially in Canada and the United States. This day is dedicated to honoring the birth of St. John the Baptist. While the religious aspect of the festival has been downplayed in recent times, it remains a vibrant celebration of French Canadian culture and history. Festivities include public events, parades, barbecues, picnics, and dazzling fireworks displays. Wishing you a joyful Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day!
π Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day History
People come together to celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day and the Francophone culture by participating in outdoor events, parades, concerts, and fireworks that start on June 23. Neighborhoods also organize smaller gatherings like bonfires, barbecues, and picnics. The symbol of this celebration is the white fleur-de-lis found on Quebec’s flag. During FΓͺte nationale du QuΓ©bec, the flag is proudly flown and waved in the official colors of the day, blue and white.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day has been celebrated for over a century. Initially, it was a day to honor the Christian saint John the Baptist. However, in 1834, journalist Ludger Duvernay, who was Canadian-French, was inspired to create a similar holiday for French Canadians after witnessing the grand celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in Montreal. This marked the birth of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Society and the first celebration of the holiday on June 24. In 1849, the society was established with the aim of promoting moral and social development.
After years of sporadic celebrations, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day was officially recognized as a holiday in Quebec in 1925. Since then, it has been celebrated annually and has come to symbolize the rich Francophone culture.
β Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day Facts
π Symbols for the day
The Quebec flag and the fleur-de-lis symbolize Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day.
π He baptized Jesus
π The holiday has many names
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, also referred to as St. John the Baptist Day, “La Saint-Jean,” “FΓͺte nationale du QuΓ©bec,” and Quebec’s National Holiday, is a significant celebration in Quebec.
π Why Is Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day Important
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, like the St. Patrick’s Day festival that inspired it, is a cultural celebration. And it is not an exaggeration to state that it offers something for everyone.
Although it has evolved into a huge party for both French-speaking and non-French-speaking people, the holiday is intended to honor the heritage and contributions of francophones to world culture.
The feast day of John the Baptist has been commemorated in France since the Middle Ages. By the 17th century, French immigrants had taken the ritual to Canada.
π How To Observe Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day
β‘ Learn French
β‘ Have a neighborhood picnic
One of the great things about St. Jean is how the festivities extend beyond the main city events and spread to all the neighborhoods and towns. You can plan a potluck picnic with your neighbors on your block.
β‘ Grab a seat near the water for fireworks
French is one of the most beautiful languages in the world. And it is the official language of many nations, not only France and Canada. Learn the language so you can converse with a fellow francophone.
π When is Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day?
YEAR | DATE | DAY |
2024 | June 24 | Monday |
2025 | June 24 | Tuesday |
2026 | June 24 | Wednesday |
2027 | June 24 | Thursday |
2028 | June 24 | Saturday |
You can view all π June holidays, including π Religious and other π Canadian holidays.
We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day. So be sure to check back soon.