How to host a Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day picnic

Fête Nationale du Québec – also known as Saint Jean Baptiste Day – takes place annually on June 24. Dating back centuries, this once religious holiday has evolved into a modern-day celebration of Francophone culture. Each year, friends and families gather for picnics, bonfires, parades, concerts, and fireworks in French-Canadian communities across the country.

[Photo Credit: mikhail_kayl]

Kick off summer in French-Canadian fashion and commemorate this unique holiday with a festive picnic inspired by Québécois heritage. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your very own Fête Nationale du Québec party.

The history
The origins of Québec’s annual holiday are rooted in pre-Christian summer solstice rituals when Europeans marked the longest day of the year by lighting fires and hosting seasonal banquets. As Catholicism spread in France, the midsummer celebrations were adopted by the Church and evolved into a special feast day commemorating St. John the Baptist. These traditions were brought across the Atlantic to Québec with the arrival of French settlers in the early 17th century.  Today, the religious undertones of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day have diminished, and the inclusive Fête Nationale du Québec on June 24 honours the rich history and diversity of Francophone culture through music, food, artistic performances and community celebrations.

The food
Wondering what to put on the menu for a Saint Jean Baptist Day picnic? Fête Nationale is all about highlighting the signature flavours of Québécois cuisine.

●        Tourtière: a classic French-Canadian dish, this savoury meat pie includes a mix of pork, beef, veal, and potatoes wrapped in a buttery pastry crust.
●        Baguette and cheese: Québec cheeses are known for their rich and complex flavours so be sure your picnic features some specialty fromage. Pair a rustic baguette with creamy Brie, aromatic blue, and sharp aged cheddar from the province’s artisan cheese makers.
●        Lamb: St. Jean the Baptist was typically portrayed with his herd of sheep, so many French-Canadians choose to serve lamb on June 24 in honour of the holiday’s namesake.
●        Blueberries: Québec-grown blueberries are a true taste of the provincial terroir. Wild seasonal blueberries are smaller and firmer than other varieties and are bursting with flavour.
●        Tarte au sucre: A traditional treat that’s sure to please a crowd, Québec sugar pie has a sticky sweet filling of maple syrup and brown sugar.

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On the hunt for authentic French-Canadian cuisine?
Let YP help find Restaurants in your area serving traditional Québécois dishes and desserts.

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The decor
Channel all things Québécois and design the perfect St. Jean Baptiste Day celebration with festive party decor and thematic blue-and-white accessories.

●        Set the scene with miniature Québec flags and banners.
●        Pick-up napkins, tablecloths or a blanket printed with the fleur-de-lis.
●        Ask your party guests to dress in blue and white for the festivities and ensure all of your picnic accessories – cups, plates, cutlery – are also colour coordinated.
●        String outdoor lights or use lanterns to create a warm glow into the evening.

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Planning a picture-perfect outdoor party?
Let YP find a Party Supply Store where you can pick up festive decor to set the mood.

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The entertainment
Once you’ve finished feasting, tune in to the Fête Nationale du Québec television special to enjoy lively performances from renowned French-Canadian musicians. Recorded this year at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in Charlevoix, Le Grand Spectacle will be hosted by singer Marie-Mai and features performances by Coeur de Pirate, Louis-Jean Cormier and Charlotte Cardin. Once the sun goes down, mark the end of the evening by building a bonfire or setting off fireworks – if permitted in your region – or use colourful glow sticks to light up the midsummer night sky.