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In 1951, the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Québec organized an exhibit at the Café du Parlement in Québec City. The show focused on arts and literature in the province and was broadcast on Radio-Canada and CHRC, a local news station. Several dignitaries attended the exhibit’s opening, including Premier Maurice Duplessis.
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!

Exhibit opening at the Café du Parlement

Auteur inconnu In 1951, the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Québec organized an exhibit at the Café du Parlement in Québec City. The show focused on arts and literature in the province and was broadcast on Radio-Canada and CHRC, a local news station. Several dignitaries attended the exhibit’s opening, including Premier Maurice Duplessis.
Chronoscope Can you name any other political and religious people in this image? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Société historique de Québec © Société historique de Québec - Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Québec Fonds. - Date: 1951