MONTREAL -

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other federal party leaders are celebrating Quebec history Tuesday by taking in Fete Nationale festivities around the Montreal area.

Harper is speaking at a barbecue in the city's south shore suburb of Longueuil. Liberal Leader Stephane Dion is attending a reception hosted by Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay. He will also appear at an afternoon picnic. Meanwhile, NDP Leader Jack Layton will take part in the city's St-Jean-Baptiste Day parade.

The annual parade kicks off at 1 p.m. in the downtown core.

The Fete Nationale is a provincial holiday formerly known as St-Jean-Baptiste Day and is held every June 24.