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In 1951, on the evening of Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Québec City, hundreds of people gathered on Dufferin Terrace to dance and celebrate. Dufferin Terrace is a large pedestrian esplanade in the heart of downtown, adjacent to the famous Château Frontenac. It has long been a public gathering place for Québec City residents.
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!

Festivities on Dufferin Terrace

Auteur inconnu In 1951, on the evening of Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Québec City, hundreds of people gathered on Dufferin Terrace to dance and celebrate. Dufferin Terrace is a large pedestrian esplanade in the heart of downtown, adjacent to the famous Château Frontenac. It has long been a public gathering place for Québec City residents.
Chronoscope Can you identify the traditional French Canadian dance the crowd is doing? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Société historique de Québec © Société historique de Québec - Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Québec Fonds. - Date: 1951