Canada was once part of the British Empire before becoming its own country. On July 1, 1867, the country took the first step towards independence by signing an important law. It consolidated the 3 colonies into a Dominion called Canada. However, many years after that unfortunate day in 1867, when Canada became fully independent and grew up into today’s country. Canada Day is still celebrated as the country’s national holiday. You should also know about the things to do on Canada day.
What is Canada Day?
Held every year on July 1, Canada Day celebrates its anniversary when its separate province begins to become a Canadian country. The day is sometimes referred to as Canada’s birthday, but it is one of the milestones in Canada’s independence. Now it marks the occasion of a celebration of all things Canadian where long weekends friends and family gather for barbecues, fireworks, concerts, and parades.
Why Celebrate Canada Day?
People celebrate Canada Day for more than 150 years. On July 1, 1867, the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Canada – now Ontario and Quebec – signed the British North America Act and later renamed the Constitution Act. About a year later, on June 20, 1868, the Governor-General, Lord Monk, issued a proclamation calling on all of His Majesty’s subjects in Canada to celebrate Canada Day on July 1.
Canada Day First Celebration:
At first, the day was not widely celebrated – an 1879 newspaper report revealed that there was no official celebration. The citizens actually left Ottawa, Toronto, and Quebec on July 1.
It wasn’t until the country’s 50th anniversary in 1919 that Dominion Day was actively celebrated, when Parliament buildings – were still under construction. These were dedicated to the fathers of the Confederacy and to the Canadian Army fighting in World War I.
read more: Happy Canada Day Wishes, Greeting, And Message
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary:
In 1967, a high-profile ceremony was held on Parliament Hill, the capital of Ontario, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Confederation. This included the participation of Queen Elizabeth II. She was the official head of the state of Canada and has participated in the Day celebrations several times. The celebrations took place just two years after the first official flag was unveiled in 1965, marking the 100th anniversary of the official founding.
Celebrations Across the Country:
Across the country, Canadians usually celebrate July 1 with fireworks. Fireworks are officially on display in 15 major Canadian cities, beginning in 1981, marking July 1 and the day when the one-year lease on rental properties expires.
This Day is known as Moving Day as a measure of the French colonial government in Quebec. In Newfoundland and Labrador, this Day has been recognized to a lesser extent, as the date is also marked as Remembrance Day in that province. These are the things to do on Canada Day.
Canada Day and Indigenous Peoples:
Canada Day has a different meaning for Indigenous peoples of the country, including the First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people.
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called for more celebrations to emphasize the appropriate place of indigenous peoples in Canada’s history. Historical, cultural, and political landscapes, as the 150th anniversary of the Day 2001 in 2001. It was marked by widespread protests by indigenous peoples.
National Indigenous People’s Day has been celebrated as a separate holiday since 1996. It was held on June 21st, the first in a series of Canadian celebrations ending with this Day.
Inspiring Canada Day Event Ideas 2024
Any puck can be transformed into the fantasy NHL masterpiece by our caricaturists. Have you ever wondered what you would look like if you played hockey? You can even desire your very own MVP trophy puck. There are countless options!
A Caesar station will serve as a reminder to your visitors that the world’s most delicious cocktail originated in Canada. Your friends will want more since creating your own cocktails is such much fun and because the occasion adds extra patriotism.
Final Words
The Day also marks the anniversary of some of the most significant events in Canadian history. On July 1, 1980, the song “O Canada” officially became the national anthem of Canada. The first cross-country television broadcast by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation was launched on July 1, 1991.
Color television was introduced in the country in 1966, eight years later. The Day was also marked on the occasion after thousands of new citizens were sworn in as Canadians. Existing Canadian citizens – and often can – choose to attend the event as well.
