10 tips to hosting a St. Jean Baptiste celebration

Give your Saint Jean Baptiste celebration some authenticity by hosting the perfect party. These ten tips can help you host an authentic Saint Jean Baptiste Day party, from the decorations to the activities and food.

• No St. Jean Baptiste celebration is complete without a fire, and a big bonfire is the ideal way to honour the holiday.
• If a fire isn't feasible, try lighting up your celebration venue with lots of warm, white light.
• Always follow local laws when lighting and maintaining a fire, and always practice proper fire safety.

• Saint Jean is the symbol for this special time of the year and should be honoured at your festivity.
• French-Canadian parades often feature individuals impersonating this saint, which might be an option for your own party.

• Sheep are another symbol of the holiday, and may be incorporated into party themes or holiday menus.
• Saint Jean was historically accompanied by his sheep.

• Parades are a big deal in Canada during this time of year.
• A parade is a perfect way to set a celebratory tone in the cities throughout the region.

• Hang some banners, streamers, and pennants for Saint Jean Baptiste Day.
• While there are no specific colours recognized for this holiday, bright, vibrant colours are a popular choice.

• You can't celebrate Saint John Baptiste Day without a big feast.
• The meal will vary depending on the home you happen to visit.
• Participants are encouraged to cook the dishes that represent their cultural heritage.
• It makes sense to include French poutine, a dish of fried potatoes smothered in gravy and cheese curds, on the menu.

• Saint Jean Baptiste Day has become a day to celebrate your heritage and roots, and to embrace the traditions of your own distinct culture.
• This melting pot of nationalities creates the community spirit during the holiday that honours differences and applauds diversity.

• Canada is known for its beer and Saint Jean Baptiste Day is the perfect occasion to sample a few.
• In fact, much of the revelry around this event occurs in the pubs and taverns of Quebec and Montreal.

• If there's one tradition that has stood the test of time, it's that Saint Jean Baptiste Day is a time to spend with those that you love most.
• Family meals, get-togethers and celebrations are a tradition in the provinces during this time.

• Even though the holiday has become a raucous reason for revelry, there's a significant religious meaning behind it.
• Take time to reflect on the baptism of Baby Jesus and Saint Jean during this festive, cheery time of the year.

Saint Jean Baptiste Day has become a culmination of honouring Saint Jean, who is believed to have baptized Baby Jesus. The observance falls on June 24th, although festivities often precede and proceed the actual holiday. It's a wonderful time to hang out with loved ones, feast and celebrate French culture.