A group of Zouaves salutes dignitaries, including Québec City mayor Wilfrid Hamel and Archbishop Maurice Roy, on the occasion of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day in Québec City in 1957. The Zouaves are volunteer soldiers working directly under the authority of the Pope. They played an important symbolic role in French-speaking Canada between 1868 and the 1960s, parading in many cultural events.

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!

Zouaves on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day

Auteur inconnu A group of Zouaves salutes dignitaries, including Québec City mayor Wilfrid Hamel and Archbishop Maurice Roy, on the occasion of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day in Québec City in 1957. The Zouaves are volunteer soldiers working directly under the authority of the Pope. They played an important symbolic role in French-speaking Canada between 1868 and the 1960s, parading in many cultural events.

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

Depicted period: 1957

Source: Société historique de Québec © Société historique de Québec - Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Québec Fonds. - Date: 1957

OPEN