First the Fête nationale, now Canada Day. Despite the political rhetoric, there’s no contradiction in celebrating both.
I’ve always found it a little serendipitous that Quebec’s Fête nationale and Canada Day are so closely linked on the calendar, serving as a cheeky reminder of the close ties that bind Quebecers to both. Back-to-back long weekends not only force many of us to contemplate how best to combine the best of both worlds — but to also celebrate them if we feel so inclined.
People are capable of holding more than one identity, culture and language, and fiercely and equally loving them all. I’ve never been much of a flag waver and believe that even civic nationalism that feeds off any notions of exceptionalism can be problematic: It can create serious tunnel vision, preventing people from not only valuing other identities but also making them highly resistant to legitimate criticism of their own. But I do understand people’s desire for it.
Nowhere in this vast country does the need to navigate multiple identities and languages appear more often than in Quebec, primarily Montreal. It can be tricky to express dual or triple allegiances when political rhetoric often demands prioritizing one above all. Some sovereigntists also have a hard time understanding that many Quebecers (francophones included) may feel a strong allegiance to the province and French language and culture, while simultaneously having no desire to separate from Canada. It doesn’t make them any less of a Quebecer.
And while some might see Quebec’s national holiday as being only for sovereigntists, I’ve always experienced it as a celebration open and inclusive to all. I’ve seen the pride with which French Quebecers all around me watch everyone participate. The holiday is for all Quebecers and should be celebrated by all, because there are so many things worth celebrating about Quebec.
Despite being less ostentatious with the flag waving, Canada Day is also important for many Quebecers — including those whose mother tongue is French. La question nationale always looms so large over the province, it can be easy to forget that most Quebecers actually like being part of Canada.
A large percentage of Quebecers seamlessly and effortlessly — and may I add quite happily — wear both hats. Quebecers who proudly wave the Fleur-de-lis and then a week later just as proudly wave the Maple Leaf. And even many of those, like me, who aren’t inclined to wave anything at all feel incredibly privileged and lucky to call both of these flags our own.