Saint John-the-Baptist, Patron Saint of Quebec
Today, June 23, streets of the city will be jammed full of people who coming from all over the province to celebrate their Saint Patron Saint John the Baptist. A few years ago, this celebration was marked piously by processions throughout the city streets, remembering the dedication of the New France territories in North America back in 1615. As the years went by, large bonfires, singing and fiddle music became part of the festivities that lasted all night. At the time of the British conquest, the celebration was often put on hold and only became a permanent event when the Quebec legislature declared June 24th a holiday in 1925.
Now-a-days, the saint is celebrated by a mega concert on June 23, in the evening on the Plains of Abraham featuring some of the most popular musical groups of the province. The concert is free, and so are the drinks in many establishments were regulars come together on this special night.
Although the past few days have seen nasty weather, although some thunder storms are predicted for tonight, this will not stop the thousands of young people who will come to listen to Daniel Belanger, Ariane Moffatt, Stefie Shock, Pierre Lapointe, Kevin Parent, Andrée Watters, Les trios Accords among others. For older folks like me, TQS TV will bring the concert live to us in the comfort of our living rooms.