last edited Dec 11, 2019
Culture and Customs of Quebec
Location Map of Quebec
Quebec
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Arts, Crafts, and Architecture
Arts
Crafts
Architecture
Museums
Customs and Traditions
Local Traditions
Etiquette
Attire and Behavior
Sensitive or Taboo Topics
Languages
French is the only official language in Quebec. Over two-thirds of Quebec's population have French as their mother tongue. English is the second mother tongue (8%). Moreover, English is commonly spoken in most tourist areas.
12% of the population are allophone, meaning their mother tongue is neither French nor English. These allophone groups include Chinese, Haitians, Italians, Greeks, Arabs, and others.
Glossary
A few local words and expressions useful to know while traveling:
- À tantôt: See you later
- Barrer la porte: Lock the door
- Bienvenue: You're welcome
- Bon matin: Good morning
- Capoter: To freak out
- C'est plate: It's boring
- Char: Car
- Chialer: To complain
- Dépanneur: Convenience store
- Il mouille: It's raining
- Il fait frette: It's freezing cold
- Jaser: To chat
- Je suis tanné: I'm fed up
- Niaiser: To tease
- Nous autres/Vous autres: We/You
- On est rendu: We've arrived
- Pantoute: Not at all
- Un déjeuner: Breakfast
- Un dîner: Lunch
- Un souper: Dinner
- Fin de semaine: Weekend
Festivals and Celebrations
By Region
Major Events and Public Holidays
- January 1: New Year's Day.
- March or April: Good Friday.
- March or April: Easter Monday.
- May (Second-to-last Monday): National Patriots' Day.
- June 24: Quebec National Holiday.
- July 1: Canada Day.
- September (First Monday): Labor Day.
- October (Second Monday): Thanksgiving.
- December 25: Christmas.
- December 26: Boxing Day.
Most shops, banks, businesses, and government offices are closed on these public holidays. However, many tourist sites remain open.