This photograph shows two members of the Association des Jeunes Laurentiens celebrating Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day in Québec City in 1949. They lay flowers at the foot of the monument dedicated to navigator Jacques Cartier and Jesuit priest Jean de Brébeuf. A group of intellectuals, the Association des Jeunes Laurentiens advocated for French Canadian autonomy in the 1940s.

1949 - 1963

Je me souviens: Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day commemorative activities in Québec City from the 1940s to the 1960s

The Société Historique de Québec invites you to delve into its archives to explore photographs of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day festivities in Québec City from the 1940s to 1960. Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, which falls on June 24, was traditionally a saint day celebrated by French-speaking Catholics. In the middle of the 20th century, the vocabulary shifted to the more secular “national holiday.” The event has since evolved to be a unifying and inclusive celebration for all Quebecers. The words may have changed, but the festive spirit remains! Major gatherings, songs and bonfires abound in this album that immerses you in the festivities! Perhaps these photos will stir up some memories!

Flowers at the Cartier-Brébeuf monument

Auteur inconnu This photograph shows two members of the Association des Jeunes Laurentiens celebrating Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day in Québec City in 1949. They lay flowers at the foot of the monument dedicated to navigator Jacques Cartier and Jesuit priest Jean de Brébeuf. A group of intellectuals, the Association des Jeunes Laurentiens advocated for French Canadian autonomy in the 1940s.

Chronoscope Can you find this site on the map? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1949

Source: Société historique de Québec © Société historique de Québec - Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Québec Fonds. - Date: 1949

OPEN