Canada Day

Canada Day is celebrated annually on July 1st. In the press, this day is unofficially considered the birthday of Canada. But considering this holiday as a birthday would be an oversimplification, because Canada Day marks the anniversary of a major historical Canadian milestone. On July 1, 1867, a number of colonies, including Canada, changed their political status. Although the country remained under British rule, the new “self-contained kingdom” managed constitutional changes, foreign policy, and matters of national defense without outside interference.

The History

The adoption of the law uniting the Canadian lands took place in 1867. However, this holiday was officially approved at the legislative level on May 15, 1879. The day was called Dominion Day, because Canada was previously designated as a dominion.

Phileas Côte, as a member of the House of Commons of Quebec City, introduced a bill in 1946 to change the name of the holiday to Canada Day. This bill was soon adopted by the lower house, but stopped by the Senate, which returned the bill to the House of Commons and recommended changing the name to Canada’s National Day.

Dominion Day celebrations have been organized at the national level since 1958. After the 100th anniversary in 1967, it began to gain popularity among Canadians, and the Festival of Canada was added to it. Since 1980, grants have been provided by the Canadian government to organize the celebration of Dominion Day not only in the capital but also in smaller cities of the country. Some Canadians have already considered it Canada Day since the 1980s, which in 1982 was the impetus for the recognition of Canada’s constitution. Dominion Day became Canada Day officially on October 27, 1982.

Interesting facts

There are some interesting facts related to this national day:

• If July 1 falls on a Sunday, the holiday is moved to Monday;
• 2017 was the 150th anniversary;
• In British Columbia alone, 1.2 million liters of beer are drunk over Canada Day weekend.

How to take part

No Canada Day celebration is complete without the Canadian flag hung by windows, on shoulders, or painted on faces. In Canada, this holiday is celebrated with traditional dishes: poutine, baklava and beaver tails (in fact, the tails are deep-fried dough with cinnamon and chili). Also, in honor of Canada Day, parades with fireworks are held, street bands march, and traditional Canadian treats are sold on the streets.

When is Canada Day Celebrated in 2022?

Canada Day is associated with the anticipation of happiness and joy. It is observed on July the 1st each year.

Observations