Every June on the 24th, the entire province of Quebec drops whatever they are doing to participate in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day festivities. Most communities across the province have special activities, parades or events planned for the 24th or the weekend that precedes it, and this holiday is the most important one of the summer for Quebec residents.
History of the holiday
The history of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is rooted in two separate traditions. Originally, this was a Christian holiday based on the feast of St. John the Baptist, which was in turn appropriated from pagan rituals that celebrated the summer solstice. When French settlers first came to Quebec, they brought the holiday with them. 
It wasn’t until the early 1800’s, however, that this special day began to take on a more important meaning for residents of Quebec. Impressed by the strong pride of the Irish community surrounding St. Patrick’s day, several community leaders in Montreal decided that it would be in the best interest of French Canadians to have a day that they too could attach to their history and culture. Over the course of the next few decades, the 24th of June would be celebrated with a mixture of both religious and cultural undertones, but it wasn’t until 1925 that it would become an official holiday according to the provincial government.
The holiday acquired a political character in the 1960’s, when it was used as a rallying date for the sovereignty movement. In 1977, the 24th of June was given the secondary title of ‘La Fete National’ (the national holiday), by then-Lieutenant Governor Hugues Lapointe. This move was controversial because it appeared to legitimize the politicization of the holiday. The religious aspect of the holiday has also gradually been eliminated in favor of a feeling of provincial pride.
How to have a good time
Whatever your political leanings, it cannot be argued that there is much fun to be had on this holiday weekend. In Montreal, there are usually large concerts organized in Parc Jean-Drapeau, and these shows feature prominent Quebec artists such as Les Cowboys Fringant. There are also fireworks displays. In the suburbs of the city, you are likely to find beach parties, bonfires, and cookouts as families get together to celebrate the holiday and enjoy the warm June weather. This holiday is also known as being an extremely popular drinking day, and many bars and clubs have special events going on to coincide with the date. Keep in mind when you are out that like New Year’s, it is possible that there are many people driving while intoxicated. Be extra vigilant while driving or walking down the street and make sure to call a cab or take the metro if you don’t feel like your should be behind the wheel.
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