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Residents of Park Extension celebrated a truly multicultural Fête de la St. Jean last Tuesday — with exotic sitar music from India, as well as more traditional Québécois folk dancing and singing. Several hundred people came out for the celebration in Athena Park on Jean Talon Street. Politicians from most levels of government turned up to greet their constituents and shake hands.
Weather was good
Among them were Park Extension city councillor Mary Deros, federal Liberal nominee Justin Trudeau, provincial MNA Gerry Sklavounos, Outremont NDP MP Tom Mulcair and NDP leader Jack Layton. Papineau Bloc Québécois MP Viviane Barbot was unable to attend because of illness. An aide attended in her place. "I want to take the opportunity to wish all the citizens of Laurier-Dorion and Park Extension where we are today a happy St. Jean Baptiste, happy national holiday for Quebec," said Sklavounos.
An inclusive holiday
"What I think is remarkable is that we're having a wonderful St. Jean in the heart of Park Extension, one of the most multicultural neighbourhoods in all of Quebec, with traditional music, with foreign influences also. There are people from pretty much all kinds of groups here, young people, older people, and I think it's very important that there is a St. Jean holiday and celebration in Park Extension. It highlights the fact that it should be and is an inclusive holiday for Quebecers of all origins. I think today is a wonderful day to put politics aside and to enjoy ourselves and celebrate the province of Quebec and its culture and history."
Many politicians
Justin Trudeau came wearing a loosely-fitting white summer suit and a colourful ceinture fléchée. "This is our national celebration, St. Jean Baptiste, and it's wonderful to see," he said. "I've been out to a whole bunch of different barbecues. Last night there was a big party at Jarry Park which was just wonderful. For me, really seeing the evolution of St. Jean Baptiste from what it was when I was a kid and it was very much a separatist celebration. Now it's very much a celebration of community — having Indian music here and traditional dances of all sorts.
Mulcair brings Layton
Modern Quebec is really being celebrated as different groups take this day as they should and really celebrate this wonderful cultural community that we all share." A former Montrealer, Layton was enjoying the province's unique holiday. He said he'd been attending St. Jean celebrations since the 1960s. "It's good to be here," he said. "It's such a diverse community, that makes us strong and makes this country strong. To see all these folks from different places out on St. Jean Baptiste is just fantastic
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