Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day celebrated across Canada

On June 24 Quebec marks Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, its Fête nationale, with parades, community bonfires, outdoor concerts and fireworks across the province. Some Montreal festivities were scaled back or cancelled this year after a neighbourhood grieved three people killed in a recent shooting. The day highlights Francophone culture and music, including Gilles Vigneault's 'Gens du pays' and the 1880 debut of Calixa Lavallée's 'O Canada', which became Canada’s official anthem in 1980. Quebec designates June 24 a statutory holiday, making the celebration a key focal point for Francophone identity, language preservation and public life.