The streets of Montreal were filled with white and blue on Wednesday as thousands of Quebecers grabbed their flags and fleur-de-lys apparel and headed to Rachel Street East to watch the annual Je t’aime Québec St-Jean-Baptiste parade and celebrate the national holiday, despite windy conditions and a heavy police presence.
This year’s theme, the power of collectivity, aimed to highlight the values that unite Quebecers — dignity, equality, solidarity, language and culture — through images, dance, rhythm and music. More than 500 people, including performers, community organizers, artists and citizens, took part in the parade, which was made up of seven sections, each with a distinct theme honouring Quebec heritage and looking toward the province’s future.
A new interactive feature was added to this year’s festivities, with large QR codes displayed along the parade route allowing spectators to engage with the themes of the holiday and learn more about the artistic choices behind the presentation.
Parade director Louis Tremblay said the event is an opportunity for Quebecers to come together and celebrate each year.
“We are fortunate to live in Quebec, in a vibrant society that engages in debate and moves forward. We create this happiness together every day. That is what we will celebrate on June 24.”
Marie-Anne Alepin, president of the Comité de la Fête nationale à Montréal, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing inclusivity as a cornerstone of Quebec identity.
“It’s really a declaration of love towards ourselves, our history, our language, our culture and our identity. It’s very festive… I really want the whole population to take part in this parade, including those who have chosen Quebec as a home. It’s also a time to discover the magnificent culture we have in Quebec.”
The first section of the parade, Building Together, was presented in collaboration with Canadian Premier League club FC Supra, which opened the parade. Goalkeeper Joakim Milli said it was meaningful for the team to take part because all of its players are Quebecers.
“It means even more because it’s the national holiday and we’re all from Quebec. It’s the club’s identity and it’s the values that they try to have for us,” Milli said.
Artist Josiane Proteau, who also opened the parade wearing a blue tulle cape and a large Quebec flag, said she felt proud to take part in the event and celebrate the theme of unity.
“Being Quebecois is a great source of pride, not only in terms of language. I’m an artist, so the cultural environment here is very unique. You don’t find it everywhere else. There is a strong artistic quality and a very welcoming community. We love to host people. It’s a real joy to be Quebecois,” she said.
Pride was a cornerstone of this year’s St-Jean-Baptiste, with attendees, sisters Linda and Joanne, also naming it as the principal reason they chose to attend the parade.
“There are so many beautiful places in Quebec. We have a lot of places elsewhere that are beautiful, but the proof is that there are a lot of nationalities that come here in Quebec. And to stay here, it makes a nice diversified Quebec and we appreciate that a lot,” said Joanne.
“Quebec is the people,” Linda added. “Yes, French is important, but all the people are Quebecers, all those who want to stay here, so its the diversity”
To continue the festivities, attendees can head to Parc Maisonneuve for activities ahead of the main show hosted by Guylaine Tremblay and featuring francophone artists including Diane Dufresne, Harmonium, Bruno Pelletier and Pierre Lapointe.
