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Canada Day in Canada: Joining in the Nationwide Celebrations
Canada Day is the national holiday of Canada, celebrated annually on July 1st. Originally known as Dominion Day, the holiday was renamed Canada Day in 1982 to better reflect the country’s evolution into an independent nation.
On this day, Canadians from coast to coast come together to celebrate their heritage, culture, diversity, and national pride.
When is Canada Day Celebrated?
Canada Day always falls on July 1st unless that date happens to be a Sunday. In that case, the celebrations are moved to July 2nd instead, with the exception of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Labrador, which still celebrate it on July 1st regardless of the day of the week.
July 1st holds special significance in Canada, as it marks the anniversary of the passage of the British North America Act in 1867. This act united the colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into the federation of Canada within the British Empire.
Canada Day Observances Across Select Years
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name |
| 2024 | Monday | July 1st | Canada Day |
| 2025 | Tuesday | July 1st | Canada Day |
| 2026 | Wednesday | July 1st | Canada Day |
| 2027 | Thursday | July 1st | Canada Day |
| 2028 | Saturday | July 1st | Canada Day |
| 2028 | Monday | July 3rd | Day off for Canada Day |
| 2029 | Sunday | July 1st | Canada Day |
| 2029 | Monday | July 2nd | Day off for Canada Day |
What Does Canada Day Commemorate?
Canada Day commemorates the formation of Canada as an autonomous dominion within the British Empire in 1867.
Specifically, it celebrates the enactment of the British North America Act on July 1st, 1867 which established Canada as a self-governing entity through the Confederation of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Although Canada was still part of the British Empire, this act granted Canada control over its own internal affairs as the Dominion of Canada. It laid the framework for Canada’s system of government and gave Canada self-rule while retaining allegiance to the British Crown.
This was an administrative change rather than a declaration of independence, like in the United States. However, it marked a critical step towards full sovereignty for Canada.
How Long Has Canada Day Been Celebrated?
The anniversary of Confederation was celebrated as early as 1868, when the first Governor General Lord Monck issued a proclamation requesting all Canadians celebrate Dominion Day on July 1st.
In 1879, the government made July 1st an official statutory holiday as the “Anniversary of Confederation,” later known as Dominion Day.
Major celebrations began in 1917 for the 50th anniversary of Confederation. The government became more involved in planning Dominion Day activities from 1958 to 1968, organizing national celebrations and concerts.
The 100th anniversary of Confederation in 1967 was marked by high-profile ceremonies attended by Queen Elizabeth II on Parliament Hill. This helped reinforce it as a nationwide celebration.
Here is a timeline of important Canada Day milestones:
| Year | Event |
| 1868 | First Dominion Day celebrations held |
| 1879 | July 1st declared a national holiday as the Anniversary of Confederation |
| 1917 | Major celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Confederation |
| 1927 | Inauguration of Peace Tower carillon on Parliament Hill |
| 1958 | Federal government begins organizing annual celebrations |
| 1967 | Queen Elizabeth II attends 100th anniversary events |
| 1982 | Dominion Day changed to Canada Day |
| 2017 | Large celebrations were held for the 150th anniversary |
How is Canada Day Celebrated?
Canada Day features numerous community, family and national events. The most common celebrations include:
- Community events: Parades, carnivals, festivals, concerts, and fireworks displays organized by local governments and groups.
- Citizenship ceremonies: Ceremonies welcoming new Canadian citizens are often held.
- Backyard barbecues and parties: Families and friends get together for meals, drinks and music. According to a survey, over half of the 63% of Canadians who plan to celebrate Canada Day will gather with family and friends or have a barbecue. (Source)
- Red and white clothing: Wearing red and white, the colours of the Canadian flag, is extremely popular.
- National celebrations: Large public performances and concerts are held nationally, predominantly in Ottawa on Parliament Hill where thousands gather.
- Flypasts: The Canadian Forces Snowbirds perform aerial acrobatics and flypasts over Ottawa as part of the national celebrations.
- Memorial services: In Newfoundland and Labrador, memorial services remember the province’s war dead, especially soldiers killed at the Battle of the Somme in World War I on July 1st, 1916.
Traditions and Symbols of Canada Day
Canada Day features numerous cultural traditions and national symbols:
- Fireworks: Major fireworks displays light up the skies in cities and towns nationwide.
- Canadian flag: The red and white maple leaf flag is flown or worn by many Canadians.
- “O Canada”: Singing the national anthem is part of many events. It was sung in both English and French during the Canada 150 celebrations in 2017.
- Canadian music: Performances feature Canadian artists and music, especially that with patriotic overtones.
- Salutes: 21 gun salutes representing the 10 provinces and 3 territories take place during events like the midday show on Parliament Hill.
- Red and white clothing/face paint: Wearing the colours of the Canadian flag is extremely popular on Canada Day. Wearing the colors of the Canadian flag is a popular tradition on Canada Day, with the majority of attendees at Parliament Hill celebrations proudly sporting red and white.
Why is Canada Day Important to Canadians?
Canada Day is a chance for Canadians to celebrate their national identity and everything that makes Canada unique. Through various celebrations, it promotes unity, pride, and national spirit.
The holiday is not as focused on independence as July 4th celebrations in the United States. Canada Day celebrates nationhood while emphasizing multicultural diversity more than colonial ties to Britain.
It allows reflection on Canada’s growth and achievements as a country. Citizens can appreciate Canadian freedom, peace and prosperity in an inclusive environment.
Canada Day Celebrations Across the Country
Every province and territory in Canada hosts unique Canada Day celebrations. While the events on Parliament Hill are nationally televised, here are examples of local celebrations:
- Alberta: The country’s longest-running Canada Day parade takes place in Lethbridge. Edmonton hosts a festival at Commonwealth Stadium with concerts and fireworks.
- British Columbia: Festivities in Vancouver include a downtown parade, ceremonies at Canada Place, and a fireworks show over English Bay.
- Manitoba: Winnipeg holds a carnival in The Forks featuring acrobatic performances, Indigenous dance/music, and crafts.
- New Brunswick: Musical acts, street entertainment, food vendors, and fireworks draw crowds to the harbourside in Saint John.
- Newfoundland: St. John’s hosts family activities like face-painting, magic shows and bubble artist performances in Bannerman Park.
- Northwest Territories: A Dene drum dance takes place on the grounds of the legislature in Yellowknife as part of an all-day fair.
Province and territory has various statutory holidays in Canada that celebrated every year, to learn more, you can visit:
- Statutory holidays in Alberta
- Statutory holidays in British Columbia
- Statutory holidays in Manitoba
- Statutory holidays in New Brunswick
- Statutory holidays in Newfoundland
- Statutory holidays in Northwest Territories
The Evolving Meaning of Canada Day
The meaning of Canada Day has shifted over the years alongside Canada’s growth as an independent nation:
- Post-WW2: After WWII, it focused on celebrating freedom and democracy in Canada and rebuilding national pride.
- Multiculturalism: From the 1970s onwards, multicultural diversity was emphasized more following Pierre Trudeau’s introduction of the multiculturalism policy.
- Patriotism and pride: In recent decades, overt national pride and unity displays have grown. Canadian patriotic songs and symbols are prominent.
- Indigenous reconciliation: Efforts to showcase and honour Indigenous cultures have increased, acknowledging their integral role in Canada’s national identity.
- Inclusive environment: Celebrations aim to provide a welcoming, safe space for people of all ethnicities, cultures, and sexual orientations to celebrate as Canadians.
Conclusion
Canada Day marks the origins of Canada as an autonomous dominion and the growth of a unique Canadian identity over almost two centuries. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the diversity that shapes Canada as a nation today and to reflect on the country’s achievements. For most Canadians, it is a chance to showcase their national pride and come together in an inclusive celebration of Canadian values and culture. While its meaning has evolved substantially since the first Dominion Day celebrations of 1879, Canada Day remains a cherished national holiday.
FAQs about Canada Day
When is Canada Day?
Canada Day falls on July 1st every year, unless July 1st is a Sunday, in which case it's celebrated on July 2nd. It commemorates the anniversary of Confederation in 1867.
What do people do on Canada Day?
Common celebrations include fireworks, parades, barbecues, concerts, air shows, citizenship ceremonies, and cultural events that celebrate Canadian history, heritage, and achievements.
Why do we celebrate Canada Day?
Canada Day celebrates the joining of Canada's provinces and territories into one unified Dominion of Canada on July 1, 1867. It recognizes the anniversary of Canada's official independence.
Where are the biggest Canada Day celebrations?
The biggest celebrations are typically in Ottawa, Canada's capital city. Major events occur on Parliament Hill and feature live music, food, and fireworks. Other major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver also host large celebrations.
When did Canada Day become a holiday?
Canada Day officially became a national statutory holiday in 1983 after being known as Dominion Day since 1879. The name changed in 1982 to reflect Canada's evolution from a Dominion of Britain into an independent nation.
How is Canada Day celebrated in each province/territory?
Each region of Canada celebrates with its own local events and cultural flair. Common regional activities include street fairs, carnivals, concerts, Indigenous ceremonies, and more.
What symbolizes Canada Day?
Common Canada Day symbols include the maple leaf, fireworks, Canadian flags, red and white clothing, Mounties, moose, beavers, Canadian music, and traditional foods.
Can I travel in Canada on Canada Day?
Yes, you can travel freely in Canada on Canada Day. Public transit still operates in major cities, though may follow a reduced schedule. Some businesses and attractions close for the day.
Is Canada Day always on the same date?
Yes, Canada Day is always celebrated on July 1st nationally, except for rare occasions when July 1st falls on a Sunday. Some provinces still celebrate on the actual date regardless of the day.
Do public services run on Canada Day?
Most federal, provincial, territorial and municipal government offices close. Post offices and banks close. Retail stores and restaurants may be open, some with reduced hours. Museums and tourist attractions often stay open.
Article Sources
Canada Day in Canada: Joining in the Nationwide Celebrations
Ben Nguyen