All residents of Canada and immigrants who have lived in this country for several years celebrate Canada Day on July 1. This day commemorates the anniversary of the Constitution, which in 1867 merged the three territories into a single country, Canada. This date commemorates the day when the three provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada became one country through the Constitution on July 1, 1867. While all Canadian provinces and territories celebrate this day, Canada Day is not celebrated in the same way across the country. Most of the businesses are closed on this date and different celebrations are held depending on the different regions of the country. Join us in this guide from Torik to learn more about the history of celebrating this important day in Canada and how to celebrate it!
Celebrating Canada’s National Day!
Canada National Day, celebrated annually on July 1, commemorates the union of three British North American colonies into a confederation: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Province of Canada, which consisted of parts of present-day Ontario, Quebec, and Labrador. On July 1, 1867, the British North America Act (now known as the Constitution, 1867) created Canada and formally incorporated the several colonies into a single, unified, semi-independent territory of Canada, making Canada the It became an independent territory within the British Empire. In 1879, a federal law declared July 1 a legal holiday as the anniversary of the Confederacy. On October 27, 1982, Dominion Day was officially renamed Canada Day. Many people at that time felt that “dominion day” was a kind of colonial era. In 1982, the Canadian Constitution was ratified, which removed any British authority and took the final step in Canada’s full sovereignty as an independent nation.
Calgary, Toronto, Winnipeg, Montreal, Vancouver, Victoria and Saskatoon may be some of the most well-known Canadian cities that celebrate Canada Day in a special way. If you are also planning to travel to Canada, you can travel to this beautiful country and see the Canadian national celebration up close. The natural beauty of this country is also very stunning. There are also amazing bays in New Brunswick and numerous beaches and national parks across the country. If night life is interesting to you, you can also visit many luxury restaurants and bars in different cities of this country.
Canada’s National Day is of special importance among the people of this country and it is celebrated in different ways and various foods are served in it. Barbecue-grilled dishes, local desserts with maple syrup, unique drinks and poutine served with crispy fries, fresh cheese curds and gravy are among the most popular dishes made on Canada Day. Crab roll is the main dish of this celebration, which has a unique taste, and we suggest that you definitely try it during your trip to Canada! Maple syrup in butter tarts and flapper pie are other famous dishes served on this day.
History of Canada Day
Until 1982, Canada celebrated Dominion Day as its national day. This day was later renamed Canada Day. Unlike many countries, Canada’s history does not include many wars and bloodshed. In the mid-1800s, the possibility of a union between Britain’s North American colonies was discussed. On July 1, 1867, the British Parliament enacted the British North America Act, which led to Canada’s independence. Territories within the territory included Upper and Lower Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Through this act, Canada was divided into Quebec and Ontario, setting the stage for future neighboring colonies, and that’s how today’s Canada was formed.
Dominion Day was first celebrated in 1879, but many Canadians did not celebrate it because they still identified themselves as British citizens. The day changed on the 50th anniversary of Confederation in 1917, and Dominion Day gradually gained popularity among the public. In 1946, a bill was introduced to rename Dominion Day, but its passage was stalled due to disagreements in the House of Commons over the new name. In 1967, on the 100th anniversary of the country’s independence, there was much interest in Canadian patriotism and celebrations were in full swing. Even before this date was made official, citizens called this holiday Canada Day, which was finally adopted in 1982.
How to celebrate Canada’s National Day
Canada Day is a federal statutory holiday celebrated on July 1 each year. Government employees are given leave on this day. Festive events are often held on July 1. Canada Day is a very important milestone for Canadians on the way to full independence. It took many years for Canada to achieve full sovereignty, which was made possible by the Statute of Westminster in 1931 and the final adoption of the Constitution in 1982. Canada Day is widely celebrated with fireworks displays, concerts, barbecues, national and military parades, and numerous festivals. The Canadian flag is raised all over the country and many people paint their faces with the colors of the Canadian national flag. Small and big parades are held in the villages and cities of Canada. Other traditions that are common during these celebrations include wearing clothes in the colors of the national flag, outdoor picnics, sporting events, festivals, and fireworks. If you are also planning to travel to Canada and want to see the magnificent ceremony of this country’s national day up close, you can visit the official website of Torik and get in touch with the experts of this collection to get a tourist visa for this country. You can also get help from the specialized team of Torik Tourism Complex to find out about the conditions for obtaining visas for England and other English-speaking countries, such as Australian visas.
History of Canada’s National Day celebrations
- On July 1, 1917, the 50th anniversary of the Confederacy was celebrated. The Parliament Buildings, under construction, are dedicated to the Fathers of Confederation and to the bravery of Canadians who fought in Europe during the First World War.
- On July 1, 1927, the 60th anniversary of Confederation, the Peace Carillon Tower was inaugurated. The then Governor-General, Viscount Willingdon, laid the foundation stone of the Confederation Building on Wellington Street.
- From 1958 to 1968, the Canadian government organized celebrations for Canada Day every year. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada is responsible for coordinating these activities. Celebrations over the years have included the raising of the national flag on Parliament Hill lawns and sunset ceremonies in the evenings, followed by military music concerts and fireworks.
- July 1, 1967: On this date, the 100th anniversary of the Confederation was celebrated. Parliament Hill was the backdrop for a high-profile event attended by Queen Elizabeth II.
- From 1968 to 1979 (with the exception of 1976), a large multicultural celebration was held on Parliament Hill and the concert was televised nationwide. The main celebrations of the Canada Day commemoration festival were held in the capital of Canada in July and these celebrations included many cultural, artistic and sports activities and included the participation of municipalities and various voluntary associations.
- From 1980 to 1983, a new format was created to celebrate Canada’s National Day celebrations. In addition to the celebrations on Parliament Hill, the National Committee (the federal government tasked with planning celebrations for Canada’s national holidays) began encouraging and sponsoring local celebrations across Canada, and set up funds to support grassroots activities and performances organized by Volunteer groups were organized, presented.
- In 1981, fireworks lit up the skies of 15 major Canadian cities on this day. Fireworks continue in these celebrations even today.
- In 1984, the National Capital Commission (NCC) was mandated to organize Canada Day celebrations in the nation’s capital.
- In 2010 the festivities on Parliament Hill were given a royal welcome, with Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh joining in to celebrate the 143rd anniversary of Canada’s independence.
- In 2011, Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, attended the Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill to mark Canada’s 144th birthday, and the ceremony was held in full splendor.
- In 2014, Canadian Heritage organized the 147th Canada Day celebration. With Canada’s 150th anniversary approaching in 2017, the government directed the ministry to organize and hold a Canada Day celebration in the nation’s capital.
- In 2017, a wide range of activities will be held across the country to mark the 150th anniversary of the Confederation. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, who were participating in Canada Day celebrations for the first time, joined Canadians on Parliament Hill to mark the milestone anniversary.
- In 2020-2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrations were held in a virtual format to comply with public health guidelines.
- In 2022, Canada Day celebrations were held in the capital of Canada with even greater splendor. Although Parliament Hill has been the venue for this national celebration for more than 50 years, the main stages of the celebration have been moved to new locations due to the renovations of the Parliament. The 2022 celebration was held at LeBreton Flats Park in the heart of Ottawa-Gatineau.
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