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In Catholic tradition, a holy year occurs every 25 years. This year is dedicated to activities that strengthen believers’ faith. For the holy year of 1950, the Quebec Roads Ministry gave Québec City a float in honour of the Pope.
1950 - 1965

Saint-Jean-Baptiste parades in Québec City in the 1950s and 1960s

Today, Quebec’s national holiday, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, is celebrated mainly with a large-scale performance on the Plains of Abraham, as well as smaller events in the city’s neighbourhoods. In the mid-20th century, however, this holiday was commemorated with a massive parade through the streets of the city. The Société Historique de Québec invites you to delve into its photographic archives to explore photos of Québec City’s Saint-Jean-Baptiste parades in the 1950s and 1960s. Join the party!

1950, a holy year

Auteur inconnu In Catholic tradition, a holy year occurs every 25 years. This year is dedicated to activities that strengthen believers’ faith. For the holy year of 1950, the Quebec Roads Ministry gave Québec City a float in honour of the Pope.
Chronoscope Can you name the people on this parade float? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Société historique de Québec © Société historique de Québec - Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Québec Fonds. - Date: 1950