Quebec is the first capital of Canada and the main city of the French-speaking province of this country of the same name. A very special territory, the inhabitants of which are distinguished by a pronounced character and their own way of life. The seven-millionth population of Quebec is the descendants of only 10 thousand not the most respectable immigrants from France who arrived here in the 17th-18th centuries. They do not consider themselves Americans and distance themselves from the Anglo-Canadians, however, the Quebecans do not consider themselves to be French either.
The patron saint of Quebec is Jean-Baptiste (John the Baptist), whose birthday falls on June 24. This day is also considered the Day of Quebec. And the festivities that take place on this date overshadow Canada Day, which the nation celebrates on July 1st. This holiday, according to historical evidence, was celebrated by the first settlers, and new neighbors, the Huron tribes, also took part in it. The exact program is unknown, but it is assumed that it was accompanied by fierce fun, dancing and lavish feasts.
For many Quebecans, this day is an excuse to participate in a historical reenactment and put on a 17th century costume. Whole columns are recruited to such people. Considering that the procession takes place in the historic center of the city, it may seem that these four centuries did not exist, and cheerful French sailors, who first set foot on the land of North America, still walk the streets of the city.
In recent years, representatives of other nationalities have also taken part in the procession - African dancers are moving in the columns, and Latin American tunes can also be heard. The leader of the Quebec Party, who opens the procession, recently announced that people of different nationalities with different skin colors are now becoming real Quebecans.
Today Quebec Day in Canada is a fun procession in which both residents of the city and Quebecans who have gathered from all over the province of Quebec, as well as numerous tourists who come specially for this day, take part. Already in the morning on the streets you can see cheerful people with Quebec flags, dressed in the colors of the province - blue and white. They dance and sing old songs, paying tribute to their historical homeland - France.
The holiday continues in numerous restaurants, from where funny songs in French rush - Quebecans love to sing, eat and drink. And in the evening, the night sky above the provincial capital is illuminated by flashes of multi-colored fireworks, which all residents and guests of the city gather to watch.
