What is Québec’s June 24 national holiday, rooted in midsummer Saint John traditions, called?

Québec’s June 24 national holiday, rooted in midsummer Saint John traditions, is called Fête nationale du Québec.

The Fête nationale du Québec is held every year on June 24, the feast day of Saint John the Baptist. It developed from French Canadian Saint John’s celebrations and became an important expression of Québécois identity, with concerts, parades, fireworks, and public gatherings.

The holiday was officially designated Québec’s national holiday in 1977. It is often informally called Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, or simply La Saint-Jean, names that reflect its religious and historical origins.

Although the modern event is a civic and cultural holiday rather than only a solstice rite, its June timing places it within the broader family of European and North American midsummer celebrations. It is distinct from Canada Day, which is celebrated on July 1.