La St-Jean-Baptiste or La Fête Nationale du Québec has always been an important part of my life. La St-Jean is a day to celebrate Québec’s French culture and language.
Two years I reconnected with my College friends that I hadn't seen for 9 years! We went to the show in downtown Montreal. The atmosphere was electric.
The year after, I spent the day with my boyfriend and one of my best friends at an attraction parc. Afterwards, we had a soirée/party among friends. I got a bit upset that year but... let's not talk about that.
This year was definitely the best. It might be the best in my life, to be honest.
It started out in a relaxed way sitting and waiting for the rain to stop under our umbrellas. As the evening progressed we went closer and closer to the center stage.
Bands that we liked started playing and we were right near the barriers. I think the only time I've been this close to performers was when I was working backstage for Freshmen Week in University.
However, it rained and rained and rained. This made the set up between bands even slower and the wait was long. I was looking forward to seeing Loco Locass. My all-time favourite Québécois band.
Meanwhile, I discovered an amazing artist: La Bronze. She did an Arabic rendition of a Stromae song "Formidable". I was blown away.
And then...
Loco Locass. The energy was incredible. It started to rain but no one cared. Everyone jumped and threw their arms in the air. Flags flapped in the wind. The last time I saw them was in 2012 during the protests against the tuition hike. If you haven't read the post. Click here.
They have always been a powerful band for me.
I’m half Québécoise and I have lived in the province most of my life. It was so engaging to sing with people who had such a big love for Québec.
I truly felt among my people.
I wrote this in an Instagram post
Je suis fière de mes racines. Je suis fière d’être du Québec, de vivre au Québec. Je suis fière de ma langue. Je suis fière de ma nation et de mon peuple. Bonne St-Jean! .
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I’m proud of my roots. I’m proud to be from Québec, to live in Québec. I’m proud to speak French even though some say it’s a dying language in Canada. Yes, I’m proud of my nation. Bonne St-Jean!
I’ll always remember this St-Jean.
I want to finish with a beautiful video that pictures shots of my nation. The song is Hymne à Québec by Loco Locass.
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