Montreal’s Sud-Ouest borough was forced to change the posters for its first-ever Summer Solstice Festival after an uproar of protest because it seemingly omitted Quebec’s annual Fête nationale.
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“In Montreal, we first changed the name “Saint-Jean-Baptiste” to eliminate the association to Christianity. Now, we are eliminating the term “Fête nationale,” wrote comedian Guy Nantel on Facebook.
“Seriously, I cannot believe that there are people being paid to create such nonsense. Put them on the Saint Patrick’s Day file — we could call it the “Snow-melt Festival” next year.”
Tout le monde en parle host Guy A. Lepage also took to social media to express his disappointment, calling it a terrible idea.
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“I’ve hosted Fête nationale festivities in Montreal for five years — with a lot of pride,” he argued.
“I am hurt and perplexed by the Sud-Ouest borough, who are rebranding it the Summer Solstice — because it goes on for three days? Call it the Fête nationale festival.”
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Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante also took to Twitter Thursday to demand festival organizers reconsider the design of their posters to put Saint-Jean-Baptiste front-and-centre.
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However, borough officials argue the heart of the festivities will be the Fête nationale, as it will be full of activities reminiscent of Quebec’s history.
“The Fête nationale is already very popular in our borough,” insisted Mayor Benoît Dorais.
“Now, with the Summer Solstice Festival, we are highlighting the richness of our roots in an inclusive and unifying setting. We invite our fellow citizens and Montrealers of all origins to come and celebrate with us.”
In response to comments from angry Montrealers on Twitter, Biz, a rapper with local hip hop group Loco Locass — who are performing at the festival — argued all of the band’s shows celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste.
“If we’re talking extremes, we could play a Canada Day show and it wouldn’t change a thing for us,” he wrote.
“Each show is a tribute for us to spread our Quebec pride.”
The festival takes place from June 22 to 24 on Notre-Dame Street West, between Atwater Avenue and Saint-Augustin Street, on the stage of the Place du Bonheur-d’Occasion.
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rachel.lau@globalnews.ca
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