The Émile Bilodeau controversy didn’t stop thousands of people from celebrating and attending the traditional Saint Jean show in Quebec and waving their flag of lilies in short sleeves, the evening was so grand.
• Also read: National Day on the Plains: the artists behind Émile Bilodeau
Even if the crowds weren’t anything like the past, the temperature will inevitably have encouraged many to get out and celebrate Quebec on the plains as a glorious sunset blanketed the plains.
Photo credit: Nicolas St-Pierre
“The beautiful thing today is that regardless of our political preferences, our origin or our beliefs, we are all here because we are proud to be Quebecers,” says Claudie Villeneuve with her friends.
“It’s not my first Saint-Jean. It’s not what it used to be, but I make it a point to come every year and celebrate the celebration of our beautiful nation,” adds René Paquet, who joined the show at the age of 78.
Photo credit: Nicolas St-Pierre
For others, the Plains of Abraham spectacle is also a good reason for a family outing, as artists of all generations will perform here, from Émile Bilodeau to Patrick Norman.
Photo credit: Nicolas St-Pierre
The political class at the heart of the party
The Parti Québécois’ decision not to make a speech because the Quebecers’ National Movement had decided to vote for Émile Bilodeau as the evening’s pilot also caused some uproar.
Joel Lemay / QMI Agency
“At some point you have to get over it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but what is important today is to celebrate our national day. For my part, that won’t stop me from celebrating like I do every year,” said Xavier Potvin, waving his Quebec flag.
For his part, Prime Minister François Legault wanted to wish Quebecers a happy Saint-Jean-Baptiste in a recorded message before the first part of the show.
After barely a few words, many people booed the Prime Minister during his video, which was broadcast on both sides of the stage.
police surveillance
The Quebec City Police Service (SPVQ) has also deployed numerous police officers on site to ensure the safety of citizens.
The agents were particularly visible near the Quebec Parliament, but also throughout strategic locations on the Grande Allée and at the site of the great spectacle.
Luckily, everything went fine, except for a few minor tweaks to small spills, according to the SPVQ.