How to celebrate Saint Jean Baptiste Day

For more than 200 years, French-Canadians have celebrated Saint Jean Baptiste Day. There are some simple ways to meld traditional Saint Jean Baptiste Day customs with contemporary celebrations that can bring authenticity to your event.

• Saint Jean Baptiste Day is a French-Canadian holiday that celebrates St. John the Baptist, who is credited with the baptism of Baby Jesus in the River Jordan.
• It is observed on June 24th each year, typically with a feast, frivolity and family togetherness.

• Fire is an eternal symbol of this holiday, as St. Jean Baptiste Day pays homage to the light.
• This may be partly due to the summer solstice that co-occurs with the celebration of Saint Jean, and the perfect way to honour this event is with a big, roaring bonfire accompanied by dancing and singing.
• Light up your party venue with warm white or yellow lights to incorporate this element into contemporary celebrations.

• Parades are very popular to pay tribute to this important day, and Quebec really puts on a show with impressive holiday parades, banners, and festivities.
• It used to be a tradition in Montreal and Quebec for a little boy to imitate Saint Jean in the parade, but this faded in the 1960s as did the religious focus of the holiday.
• Wherever Saint Jean goes, a sheep will follow, as this is another traditional symbol of the season.

• This holiday has evolved over the years, emerging in the 1960s as a time to celebrate culture and heritage, rather than a primarily religious observance.
• The mood for this holiday is optimistic and merry, and this is heightened by those celebrating the summer solstice the same time of year.
• Taking time to pay tribute to the heritage and roots of every person, and celebrating differences, is what makes this such a significant day worldwide.
• Traditional feasts have evolved into modern-day parties, and many choose this day to imbibe in the expansive array of Canadian beers available.

Historically, this holiday was observed for its religious significance, earmarked with prayer, reflection and gratitude. However, modern-day celebrations typically include parades, festivity and fanfare.

Once you know the historical roots of Saint Jean Baptiste Day, it is easy to incorporate some customs and traditions in with your contemporary celebration.