Quebec rings in 180th St-Jean-Baptiste Day with parade, shows

Celebrations to mark the 180th edition of Quebec's Fte nationale continue today with festivities across the province.

In Quebec City Monday night, thousands of people packed the historic Plains of Abraham to mark Quebec`s official holiday.

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Quebec City police say there were some arrests for minor offences but reported no significant incidents.

Today in Montreal, an annual parade will wind through downtown to Maisonneuve Park in the east end for a concert in the evening.

Events are scheduled to take place in mostMontreal boroughs and across the province.In all, some 1,100 shows are scheduled to take place.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is scheduled to deliver a speech marking the holiday in Saint-Lazare-de-Bellechasse, outside Quebec City.

In a statement, Harper said today's festivities "allow us to appreciate how Qubcois and francophone heritage have contributed to building a united and prosperous Canada."

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau also issued statements marking the holiday.