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La Saint-Jean, Fête Nationale, St. Jean Baptiste Day Events

By , About.com Guide

La Saint-Jean, la Fête Nationale du Québec, St. Jean Baptiste Day ... it's a day of many names. But whatever you call it, it's one of Montreal's favorite holidays! A chance to honor Quebec's unique heritage, identity and history, June 24 is a statutory day for Montrealers and Quebecers of every creed, color and mother tongue. So if you feel blessed to be part of a culture that affords residents a language and lifestyle unlike anywhere else in North America, don't be shy to get out and celebrate. And since it's a statutory holiday, many businesses shut down for the day so don't forget to consult this list of what's open and closed on the Fête Nationale in Montreal, complete with activity suggestions.

Below are just a few things you could do to enjoy the day.

Brush up on La Saint-Jean's History

la saint jean fete nationale saint jean baptiste dayGetty Images News
A celebration that's changed names and significance over the last couple millennia, here's a flash history lesson to keep you up to speed.

La Fête nationale du Québec à Montréal: Le Défilé participatif des citoyens

la saint jean fete nationale saint jean baptiste dayPhoto by Flickr user Blog Story
La Saint-Jean parades have certainly changed since, say, 1969. "Giants" representing Quebec's favorite historical and fictional figures, including René Lévesque, Félix Leclerc and Montreal co-founder Jeanne Mance will be showcased on Sherbrooke alongside a slew of musicians, acrobats, dancers and other fine circus artists. And don't be shy to join the parade at its tail-end! Event is free. View photos of the Fête Nationale parade.

When: June 24, 2013 at 4:45 p.m. or 1 p.m., depending on your level of participation. Details.
Where: Proceeds on Sherbrooke Street, starting at the corner of Davidson going east until Pie-IX, ending at Parc Maisonneuve by 7 p.m. (map)
Get There: Frontenac Metro

La Fête nationale du Québec à Montréal: Le Grand Spectacle

la saint jean fete nationale saint jean baptiste dayPhoto courtesy of La Fête nationale du Québec à Montréal
Musicians performing at this year's Le Grand Spectacle include Pierre Lapointe, Diane Dufresne, Richard Séguin, Manu Militari, Poirier and more. Event is free.

When: June 24, 2013 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. (the Grand Spectacle starts at 8:45 p.m.)
Where: Parc Maisonneuve, corner of Sherbrooke and Pie-IX (map)
Get There: Pie-IX Metro

L'Autre St. Jean

l'autre saint jean fete nationale saint jean baptiste dayPhoto by Flickr user Pedro fait de la Photo
L'Autre St. Jean is unfortunately not happening in 2013. Fingers crossed for 2014.

When: June 23, 2012 at 5 p.m.
Where: Parc du Pelican, corner of Molson and St. Joseph Est (map)
Get There: Laurier Metro, Bus 27 or 47

Quebec National Holiday Bonfire

la saint jean fete nationale saint jean baptiste day old portPhoto by Flickr user zemistor
Whether the Quebec National Holiday Bonfire is repeated in 2013 remains to be seen. "After 15 years, the Montreal Bonfire officially returns as part of the Quebec National Holiday festivities! The Théâtre Sans Fil will present a show inspired by the history of the bonfires for the occasion. This theater with giant marionettes has grown from its humble beginnings in the Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve area to touring around the world. Event is free.

When: June 23, 2013 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: just outside the Olympic Stadium at the Olympic Park (map)
Get There: Pie-IX Metro

Quebec National Day at the Ecomuseum Zoo

la saint jean fete nationale saint jean baptiste day ecomuseumPhoto courtesy of the Ecomuseum
"Join us to celebrate La fête de la St-Jean. Explore the site and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings as you search for the answers to our quiz by observing and learning about the animals of our region. Special daily prizes and many surprises await you!" Bilingual event. Free with admission price.

When: June 24, 2013, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Ecomuseum, 21 125 chemin Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue H9X 3Y7 (map)
Get There: Côte-Vertu Metro, Bus 215, then transfer to Bus 210

Fête Nationale Neighborhood Festivities

la saint jean fete nationale saint jean baptiste day ecomuseumPhoto by Flickr user Blog Story
Neighborhoods across Montreal are celebrating la Saint-Jean with fireworks, bonfires, face-painting, games for kids, food, live shows and more. Find a local celebration near you. Events are free.

When: depends on the event, with most neighborhood celebrations on June 24, 2013
Where: all over the island of Montreal and including Île Bizard
Get There: routes vary by location

La Fête Nationale at Mondial Choral

la saint jean fete nationale saint jean baptiste day mondial choralPhoto courtesy of Mondial Choral
Indulge in free concerts just north of the island of Montreal. Reachable by metro.

When: June 24, 2013 at 7 p.m.
Where: Centre de la Nature in Laval (map)
Get There: De la Concorde Metro, Bus 42

Gay Village: Street For Feet

fete nationale la saint jean montrealPhoto © Evelyn Reid
Escape the crowds and spend an easy breezy day sipping sangria on a Gay Village terrace. My top choice goes to Le Saloon.

When: whenever
Where: Ste. Catherine, from St. Hubert to Papineau (map)
Get There: Beaudry Metro

Chinatown Street Sale

fete nationale la saint jean montrealPhoto © Evelyn Reid
The merchants association responsible for communicating the annual sidewalk sale schedule did not do so at time of publication. Call 311 for details.

When: June 19 to June 24, 2013 (DATES TBC)
Where: De la Gauchetière, from St. Dominique to Côté (map)
Get There: Place d'Armes Metro

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