Fête nationale parade becomes interactive celebration on Rachel Street
On June 24, spectators can scan QR codes to explore seven themed scenes honoring Quebec's heritage and future.
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Montreal's traditional Fête nationale parade is reinventing itself this year with a digital twist that invites spectators into the storytelling.
On Wednesday, June 24, as the parade unfolds along Rachel Street East, attendees can scan QR codes along the route to unlock behind-the-scenes details about each of the seven scenes that compose the "Je t'aime Québec" parade. The interactive layer gives deeper insight into the creativity and meaning woven through the procession.
More than 500 participants — professional artists, community organizations, citizen groups, and people of all ages — will bring the parade to life, guided by a central theme: the power of the collective. The seven scenes explore dignity, equality, solidarity, language, culture, and Quebec's ability to imagine its future. Scenography by Annick Lavallée-Benny and a musical score from producer Loïc Thériault (of Baie-Comeau, formerly of Valaire) anchor the visual and sonic landscape.
The parade begins at 2 p.m. at the corner of Rachel Street East and Molson Street, traveling east along its traditional route to end near Parc Maisonneuve. After the parade, spectators are invited to join a gathering behind a fleur-de-lys, moving the celebration into the Grand spectacle de la Fête nationale at Parc Maisonneuve. Across the island, up to 80 block parties will offer neighborhood celebrations.